What gear ratio would be the best for all-mountain?
I'm building because I have no money to buy the derailleurs and shifters.
And plus a single crankset would cost less than triple.
Currently I have some Marzocchi Bomber MX Pros, a aluminium 6061 GT frame, Avid Juicy 5 hydralic disc brakes, ect.
I'm mainly missing the cranks.
Lawrence
Where do you ride? Most would say 32:16, but I'm a bit wimpy up the hills, so run 32:17. Not much difference, but enough. I tend to ride Cwm Carn, FoD, etc.
Most run 2:1 but it is subjective..as your concept of "all mountain"
Thanks for advice
Usually 32:15 but I live and mostly ride in Suffolk. On a recent trip to the chilterns I tried 32.17 and 32.19 niether was sufficiently lower gearing to make the hills that much easier and the 19 was just too twiddly on the flat.
So I would say 32.15,16 or 17 depending on your style.
40:20 
Sell a kidney, go 1 x 10
I do have a 10 speed XTR shifter but a decent 10 speed casette and rear derailleur costs around 150, if it was 50, maybe. And what's the 40:20 ratio like? I'm more of a DH rider so I'd want a lower gear ratio e.g. 32:15.
Thanks for the replies btw.
Get some second hand cranks, a 32/34 DH ring, a second-hand 9sp shifter and derailler and save up for a new 9sp cassette. Makes a perfectly practical mountain bike.
Lawrence, where are you riding? if it's Wales or anywhere hilly you'll need to match your gear to your climbing ability. If you're riding in hills then typically 32:18 or even 20 for 26" rear wheel (add 2t for 29er) This will be very 'spinny' on the flat. 32:16 is good for rolling terrain and shortish climbs.
Could I possibly have a 1x8 setup? I just remembered I have an 8 speed 11-34 deore cassette somewhere. I live in Oxford, it's quite flat, even the hilly bits.
32.16 will be fine if you don't have much in the way of hills. If you ha e a look around you might be able to get a ss kit with a choice of cogs.
32:16 here, but I find I spin out a bit.
And what's the 40:20 ratio like? I'm more of a DH rider so I'd want a lower gear ratio e.g. 32:15
32-15 is higher, someone's having a bit of fun saying 40-20.. ) 40-20 is same as the usual 2-to-1 32-16 gear on a 26" SS.
32-15 would be perfect if you're not hauling up any big climbs. SS is great for a play bike, no chain slap, no chain device needed, simple, light.
Yes you can do 8 sp . Use and old front derailler as a chain guide by adjusting the position and the stop screws
35-19 on a 29er is fine for wales and peak district SS ing. Shitmano dx cogs are cheap as chips, buy a few and find what size feels best for you and the way you ride. Some SS monkeys are more mosher than whirling dervish it's each to their own really.
there is a special secret SS tip known to a few and slowly increasing crowd, but i'd have to kill you if I told you 
EDIT High fives Jameso as a fellow keeper of the secret powers
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