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gears gears and smaller gears?

10 posts & 7 voices | Started 1 year ago by lovewookie | Latest reply from lovewookie

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lovewookie - Member

I currently run a 2x9 setup with a 28/40 and a 11-28 cassette. Does me well and I don't really use the 28T much either.

Now, the chain, cassette and 40T are well on their way out. I'm toying with 10 speed, but may stick with 9 for now, however, what I am considering is going 24/34 at the front with either a 9 or 10 speed 11-23 cassette.

I like the idea of closer ratio's and I know the bottom end will be similar to that of the 40-28 setup so am fine with that, but a slight bit worried about loosing the top 2 gears, that said, I dont' know how much time I spend in those either.....

I think I'd use my gears more effectively with that setup, but I'm giessing that others must run similar, albeit with a more regular MTB cassette? how do you get on without the top end speed?

cheers

Posted 1 year ago #
7hz - Member

Ditch the front derailleur, go 1x9 or 1x10.

I have been running 1x9 (not using my 44 or 22 chainrings) for a few months now, and TBH I don't really miss either extreme. Some hills are a bit harder, but I don't think that is a bad thing, spinning in granny isn't really that efficient anyway. Going flat on the road with the wind behind me, it is possible to spin out doing I would guess 24mph or thereabouts, but it doesn't bother me. I'm not in this to race, just to enjoy myself, and TBH I can't wait to ditch my front derailleur!

If I was replacing drivechaon, I'd be tempted by 10 speed only because the extended range of the available cassettes (11 to 36) and the promise of trick new 9 tooth cogs sometime down the line (hope and DT Swiss / Specialised FWICR).

Posted 1 year ago #
lovewookie - Member

well, maybe, I did think about 1x10, but really running an 11-23 cassette I'd like to have at least an option of something for slightly longer/steeper stuff. If I don't use it much, like I haven't used the 28 at the moment, maybe it'll go 1x10/9....

Posted 1 year ago #
oldgit - Member

I use an Ultegra 12-25 with a normal tripple.
The casstte combined with the middle ring is a great race day combo.
The outer is used on road stretches on enduros and the like.
And there are some hills in the UK that require a granny.

Not everyones cuppa tea, but I like the close ratio shifting. And to me the weight penalty of a granny ring and XTR shifter is worth it.

Posted 1 year ago #
lovewookie - Member

That's it, I've never really got on with 11-32 or 11-34 cassettes, always thought there was a bit to much of a gap so always used to run a 12-27 ultegra, but SLX's 11-28 was a nice welcome back to old school ratio's.

11-23 will be where it's at oh yeah...If I could get away will 11-21 I would.

Posted 1 year ago #
bikerbruce - Member

id go 11-36 with closer front ratios

Posted 1 year ago #
takisawa2 - Member

22-34...never understood the logic behind riding slower than walking pace.
1x9 plenty for me. If I cant get up in 32-34 I'll get off & push.

When it wears out I'll be going 1x10 with 34t front.

Posted 1 year ago #
james - Member

"22-34...never understood the logic behind riding slower than walking pace"
I can overtake people pushing in 22-34T
Don't think it as a gear for slowly grinding away in, unless you need a gear to limp home over that hill with
Think of it as a gear to frantically spin your way up the steepest of loose rocky climbs, then it comes into its own IME/IMO
Plus you'll never be able to blame the bike for not having a low enough gear ..
Its hardly closely geared though

Posted 1 year ago #
njee20 - Member

I used to use a road cassette for racing, but found the close ratios no real benefit, and the constant shifting on the front wasted time.

I really can't see why on earth you'd want an 11-23 on a mountain bike. 1x10 with a wider ratio cassette would give you a wider spread of gears, and you wouldn't waste time shifting on the front constantly.

Posted 1 year ago #
lovewookie - Member

I think half the point was that with a 11-28 cassette and a 40/28T combo I hardly use the 28T chainring in any case. I think I've used 28-24 ratio once or twice...so constantly shifting the front probaby wouldn't be an issue for me.

for me, a 32, 34 or 36t sprocket would just be a bit of metal that never saw the chain.

It all depeds on your riding style I guess and I've always preferred bigger gears.

Posted 1 year ago #

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