On my Five I run a SLX triple converted to a double. Chain rings are 26-36 with 11-36 cassette and and E-13 hive bash. Also running a bottom bracket mounted double chain device, the Blackspire Stinger. I looked at getting the superstar one (got plenty of other SS bits) but reviews didn’t fill me with confidence.

I was extremely skeptical about 2 x 10, but I’ve been using a 38/24 double with 11/36 outback for the past two weeks on a 29er, and it hasn’t made me want to kick it into touch yet.

I’ve also got a converted XT 2x9spd and bash, which is 36/22 and an 11-34. That has a BB mounted Blackspire Stinger and a Deda Dog fang to keep things in check. I also run the chain as short as I dare and a med cage mech. Stingers review a whole lot better than theh Superstar ones.

Got 24/36/bash and 11-36 on both MTB’s these days.

Rarely ever use the granny on both, but its nice to have it just in case. Tried 1×10 for a while, managed pretty much everywhere, but with a 32 up front I ran out of steam up top a bit early, and with a 36 I found I wanted a lower gear for climbing occasionally. 2×10 gives me all the ratios I would ever need (and some silly low ones I don’t need too, but they’re there just in case).

26/38 on an 11:36 rear. On a 26er fwiw.

I have a 24t inner as well for really big days out where bail out might be needed, but for most riding so far 26 is fine

Why this talk of chainguides? Why is a double front any different from a triple in that respect? The derailleur keeps it on?

Same XT set up as Peter Poddy. I’ve not had any issues with chain droppage either, wholly reliant on the shadow plus mech, and front mech for retention duties. Had a slight issue with an over-long chain joining pin, but a few minutes with a file sorted that. I do use the 26t front for some of the hills locally, but find the trail centre’s fine on the 38t.

I’m waiting for a set of XT 38-26 cranks to run with an 11-36 cassette with a medium shadow plus mech. I also ordered the shimano chain to go with it despite generally using KMC as I understand the shimano ones are now directional. Anyone running this setup with a chain other than shimano?

XT 40/28 here with 34:11. I find the bigger gear much better for fast cruising on bridleways and roads you often find at events over 50k. I like to think I have a performance advantage…. 8)

Expecting a Connex Wipermann chain to turn up any day now, as an alternative to the shimano jobby. Time will tell.

Forget it and go 1×10 32 up front clutch rear mech and 11-36 casette

I toyed with going 2×10 after running 2×9 but found that 1×10 gets me

round any of my local welsh mountain trails without hassle