Anybody run a Ten speed double chainset with bashguard as I am toying with the idea of changing my SLX double to give me more a bit more ratio especially in the higher gearing as the current big ring on my double limits my top end, also I hear your more able to stay on the outer ring on seep climbs due to the extra increments you get with a ten speed. I figure I can then run bigger chainrings on the front.
I've been running a 10 speed double all season (no bashguard), and had run a double on a 9 speed set up for the last 3 years.
I think it's perfect, I've played with various ratios, but liked 40/28 with 9 speed and now have 42/28 with 10 speed, find I stay in the big ring 90% of the time, and just drop for the steep stuff. To that end I'm probably going to try a single ring next season.
I think the 11-36 cassettes really do facilitate the use of a double for most riders without any real loss of gears, reckon the SRAM 39/26 would be spot on for most 'trail' bikes.
[i]To that end I'm probably going to try a single ring next season.[/i]
what size out of interest njee? racing or just general riding?
Well it'll be my only MTB, so general riding as well. In fact I use lower gears when racing than general riding, being knackered after 2 hours flat out!
Between 34 and 36 I reckon, can't really decide! There are some courses when I'd want lower than 1:1, but I reckon I'd just fit a double and a front mech/LH shifter for those! Probably go 36.