1x10 setup, dropping chain at front when shifting at the rear

[Cambyses]

I have a Whyte Shoreditch flatbar commuter with 1x10 Shimano Deore setup. When shifting onto the smallest (sometimes even second-smallest) sprocket at the back, it drops the chain at the FRONT, coming off the chainring outwards away from the frame. It did this very occasionally even when new, but is getting more frequent, to the point I now can't use the top gear at all. LBS seems convinced it is a rear mech adjustment issue and keeps fiddling with the screws, but this doesn't make any difference, and I can't see how the rear mech setup could cause dropping at the front.

Does it need a shorter chain? Or a chain-guide at the front? Suggestions welcome!

 

[Nibor]

you could try a narrow wide chainring

 

[Elybazza61]

you could try a narrow wide chainring

This^

Had the same issue with my 105/LX set-up on the Planet X cross bike,not had a dropped chain since despit hammering it over a bumpy gravel path a few times.

I got a Hope one;

http://www.hopetech.com/product/retainer-ring-110-pcd/

RaceFace and Absolute black do them too.

Aah just noticed it's Deore so may be a four bolt crankset but you can get them for that too.

 

[Levo-Lon]

You could also check chain line..
it may need a extra spacer at the BB if its a external type?

 

[Nibor]

on one too I have one of these
http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CROOTHTH/on-one-ringmaster-chainring

 

[Ajax Bay]

a narrow wide chainring

For those who haven't come across this before. Narrow/wide chainring:
Chainring has a narrow/wide tooth configuration designed for 1x10 and 1x11 set-ups without the need of a chain guide.
Narrow wide chainrings alternate one narrow tooth and one wide tooth, both of which are taller than typical chainring teeth. They fit more snugly in the narrow and wide holes in your chain. Because the teeth alternate, the rings are only available in even number tooth counts.

 

[Nibor]

For those who haven't come across this before. Narrow/wide chainring:
Chainring has a narrow/wide tooth configuration designed for 1x10 and 1x11 set-ups without the need of a chain guide.
Narrow wide chainrings alternate one narrow tooth and one wide tooth, both of which are taller than typical chainring teeth. They fit more snugly in the narrow and wide holes in your chain. Because the teeth alternate, the rings are only available in even number tooth counts.

They usually are 9,10 and 11 speed compatible.

 

[Cambyses]

Thanks guys - I'll try one of the narrow/wide chainrings as suggested!