I’m thinking of swapping my standard 9 speed triple set up for a 38/28 front with 11-36 rear.

I reckon my new lowest gear will be about the same as my existing 2nd lowest gear:

(22 tooth front x 26″ wheel diam)/32 tooth (sprocket) = 17.85 gear inches

(28 tooth front x 26″ wheel diam)/36 tooth (sprocket) = 20.22

(22 toothfront x 26″ wheel diam)/28 tooth (sprocket) = 20.43

Am I right?

Seems right, did you use Sheldon’s calculater?

the man

I’ve just popped an 39/26 onto my existing 9 speed set up, only I couldn’t afford to do the cassette at the same time so stuck with an 11-32. I was just going to use the MTFU approach 😉

You may find problems getting a 9 speed cassette with 36 teeth.

Or go to chainreaction;

heavy 12-36 shimano cassette

Not 11-36 is it though. You can fit an 11, but you get a jump at the bottom of the block.

IME a 12t gap works better too – id go 26/38 or 28/40.

I have a nearly new 38T chainring and bash going if you are interested. Found it too much for what I ride. email in profile.

Cheers – acutally I was using the ‘Ten-Bikes Jeff’ calculation method and was just checking up on what he told me. 😉

I am going 10-speed at the same time as doing the chainrings so no probs with the 11-36 cassette. I’ve got a new pair of TA 38/28 rings ready, but I see I’ll have to swap the 28 for 26 inner to retain the lowest gear of my current 9 speed setup.

Thanks for the advice. 🙂