Using bike mainly for XC now with rigid fork, so dropped bash guard off first generation saint double chaninset.

22/32 is too ‘spinney’ – dilemma is to lose the 32 and put a 38 on, would jump be too big from the 22?

Or fit an outer 42 in place of bash guard, however chain line seems seem extreme already from middle (outer at the mo) 32 to 28 on back.

Any thoughts on best option?

22/36 works really well

Riding 1.8 tyres and think it may still spin out – as I ride a lot of road I find that I push a bigger gear now so would go to 38 if it worked!

28-40 with an 11-36 cassette works really nicely on my yeti – that is nice and light though.

are you wanting more of a ‘winch and plummet’ gearing?

Any thoughts on best option?

sell the saints and buy a set of lighter xc cranks.

Like the saints! I want gears that will cope with all day rides and get up the really steep stuff, never used big ring much but lighter bike just runs out of gears – using 32/11 on flat trails.