Howdy,
I have a 27-speed hardtail Cannondale F400 that I've been riding pretty hard lately as I've been getting better, and maybe more important, just ballsier I guess. Ive beaten up the big chain ring beyond repair and recently I had my rear wheel stolen so I've been using an old wheel with the wrong size cassette on it. This has had me riding solely in 2-4 and 2-5 according to my shifters and I've grown used to it. My front wheel is still good with good treads still and barely bent. My makeshift rear wheel is almost treadless and wobbly making riding getting pretty hard. I live in CT and for the most part all the trails I ride are pretty technical single track which beats up my bike and occasionally gets the better of me, but I love it and can't stop.
I've got an idea of what I want to do, just don't know if it's possible or makes sense really so that's where I'm really looking for help.
First I want to go tubeless front and back with big tires and want to keep my front rim if that's possible. I weigh 235 lbs and patch or replace a tube about once a ride due to pinch flats.
Secondly I want to get rid of the large chain ring and put a bash ring on because I never use my large chain ring for anything other than smashing it on logs, stumps, and rocks.
Thirdly I want to change the amount of gears I have to something like a 10-speed (two chain rings up front and five on the cassette) if possible, and if not then whatever is done by someone in my position. As it is now with the wrong cassette, my derailleur only lets me ride smoothly in two gears so i'm used to having only two working speeds at the moment. Also, for that matter I'd consider taking it down to single speed and just doing away with the derailleur and shifters if that'd be more logical.
I hope some of you guys will be able to help me, and all help will be appreciated. Thanks in advance for the help. Happy trails.

I have a 27-speed hardtail Cannondale F400 that I've been riding pretty hard lately as I've been getting better, and maybe more important, just ballsier I guess. Ive beaten up the big chain ring beyond repair and recently I had my rear wheel stolen so I've been using an old wheel with the wrong size cassette on it. This has had me riding solely in 2-4 and 2-5 according to my shifters and I've grown used to it. My front wheel is still good with good treads still and barely bent. My makeshift rear wheel is almost treadless and wobbly making riding getting pretty hard. I live in CT and for the most part all the trails I ride are pretty technical single track which beats up my bike and occasionally gets the better of me, but I love it and can't stop.
I've got an idea of what I want to do, just don't know if it's possible or makes sense really so that's where I'm really looking for help.
First I want to go tubeless front and back with big tires and want to keep my front rim if that's possible. I weigh 235 lbs and patch or replace a tube about once a ride due to pinch flats.
Secondly I want to get rid of the large chain ring and put a bash ring on because I never use my large chain ring for anything other than smashing it on logs, stumps, and rocks.
Thirdly I want to change the amount of gears I have to something like a 10-speed (two chain rings up front and five on the cassette) if possible, and if not then whatever is done by someone in my position. As it is now with the wrong cassette, my derailleur only lets me ride smoothly in two gears so i'm used to having only two working speeds at the moment. Also, for that matter I'd consider taking it down to single speed and just doing away with the derailleur and shifters if that'd be more logical.
I hope some of you guys will be able to help me, and all help will be appreciated. Thanks in advance for the help. Happy trails.

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