Changing to 1x11 - what gearing??
Discussion
Having just trashed both front and rear mech this weekend, and having now found out that SRAM have stopped all discount sales, such that a replacement X9/X0 rear mech is close to $400, I'm looking at changing from 2x10 to 1x11. An XT set up looks like being around $350-400, so its a no-brainer, but need help with the gearing.
My front rings are 40/28 and the cassette is 11-34. I spend most of the time on the 40T ring, including most of my local trails, but still use the bottom end of the 28T on certain fridge door-type climbs. Also tend to use the bike to ride to the trail, so the 40/11 combo gives good road speed, and I'm still on baby 26" wheels too.
Is is worth going 38T or even 40T at the front with 11-42 at the rear? Or am I making work for myself? amongst others, 36T ring with 11-46 seems to be the flavour of the day but they're on 650b - not sure 11-46 and 26" wheels will leave any clearance for the rear mech though.
My front rings are 40/28 and the cassette is 11-34. I spend most of the time on the 40T ring, including most of my local trails, but still use the bottom end of the 28T on certain fridge door-type climbs. Also tend to use the bike to ride to the trail, so the 40/11 combo gives good road speed, and I'm still on baby 26" wheels too.
Is is worth going 38T or even 40T at the front with 11-42 at the rear? Or am I making work for myself? amongst others, 36T ring with 11-46 seems to be the flavour of the day but they're on 650b - not sure 11-46 and 26" wheels will leave any clearance for the rear mech though.
It it helps, I ran 34t - 11/42 on my 26er before going up to a 29er and dropped to 32t, but still on 11/42. If you're on a 1x front rings can be had cheap enough to buy one of each and try them until you find a ratio you are happy with.
The low range of 38+ took some getting used to for me as it really is low.
The low range of 38+ took some getting used to for me as it really is low.
My advice is to compare before/after on the online calculator linked below : it's the only way to establish if and where you would lose out and decide where you want to compromise (top end or low end). Generally speaking the compromise is small and at least you can decide where you make it.
Have a look here : http://www.ritzelrechner.de/
I am happy(ish) with 32 and 11-42 as if I run out of gears that means I am probably not doing real off-road stuff. But I am lucky that I never have to do more than 1 mile on the road, which is no hardship in the UK !
If you have a Xd rear freehub body you can fit a cheap 10-42 SRAM GX cassette (£65, lighter than XT), even on your otherwise Shimano set up (that's what I am changing to this week).
Have a look here : http://www.ritzelrechner.de/
I am happy(ish) with 32 and 11-42 as if I run out of gears that means I am probably not doing real off-road stuff. But I am lucky that I never have to do more than 1 mile on the road, which is no hardship in the UK !
If you have a Xd rear freehub body you can fit a cheap 10-42 SRAM GX cassette (£65, lighter than XT), even on your otherwise Shimano set up (that's what I am changing to this week).
PomBstard said:
Celtic Dragon said:
If you're on a 1x front rings can be had cheap enough to buy one of each and try them until you find a ratio you are happy with.
Thanks - this is my thinking also
nickfrog said:
Have a look here : http://www.ritzelrechner.de/
Ta for that! Looks like 11-42 cassette and try 36 and 38 ringsnickfrog said:
You must be young !!! Or light/fit. Or both.
Nope, nope, and, er, nope! Have just found that the 40T gets all the use except for a couple of climbs locally. Other trails will use more gears. Don't forget, I'm still on tiny wheels...A lap of my local trail, starting and finishing at home, would be 19km and about 380m of climbing. Its about 9.5km off-road and 4-5km each way to get there/back.
Anyway, have just ordered 1x11 set up with 11-42 cassette and both 36T and 38T chainrings - see how we get on when I get it fitted.
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