Iv run Shimano double and bash for years now on both my hard tail and full suss. 36×22 on the front 34X11 on the back – standard XT equipment but with a medium cage rear mech.
I found it great on my light weight hardtail and sticking with it. However on my heavy 160mm all mountain rig I wasnt totaly happy.
Reasons are…..
The ratios I mentioned above are 2T above recommendations for the medium cage rear mech – It works fine on the hard tail but with the extra chain growth of a full suss its never been ideal and you have to be careful with gear combinations.
I found the 36T ring a bit big for the heavy bike anyway and found myself in the granny ring more than I would like – once again the ratio is perfect for the sprightly hardtail.
36 to 22 is a big jump for the chain to make when shifting and I do occasionally loose the chain. As long as you remember to peddle carefully while doing it its ok though.
So – Im keeping the hardtail setup but Iv switched the Full suss bike to 34×22 and 34×11 – Iv also gone 10 speed with XT clutch mech.
Initial thoughts – perfection
