Looking at a 2 x 10 XT groupset through Merlin.

Smallest gear is 26*36 whereas I’m used to a standard 22*32.

I really like my knees and granny gear……will I notice much difference?

Nope, I recently went from a standard 3 x 9 to a 2 x 10 and apart from missing some speed going down hills from not having the same big ring I’ve not noticed a problem going up hill.

If anything my stubbornness in not using the granny ring for most hills is improving my fitness!

There is almost no difference between those gears.

2 by 10 XT is great

I’m rapidly running out of reasons not to pick it up on my way home!

Shimano over SRAM everytime