Thinking of going down this route and pimping a Rumblefish with a 2 x 10 XT set up.
Options seem to be 26-38 or 28-40 chainset combined with a 32, 34 or 36 granny ring at the back.
What are you running? I live in the Isle of Man, quite hilly so i don't want it too tall if i take the plunge. Do I need a 40t big ring or can I get away with a a 38?
Advice greatly appreciated
Cheers
Wait for people to contradict what I say but I think you'll be fine with with a 38.
I mostly ride 32:20 SS but when she's set up 1x9, 32 upfront and 12-34 at the back, I cope with everything Yorkshire can throw at it including the high moors and dales; Having been to the IOM a few times I'd consider the terrain comparable to parts of Northern Yorkshire
Bump
i run 2x9 on my 29er hardtail
22,36: 36-12
22:36 is low but often use it on long steep stuff (especially when the bike is loaded up)
I'd be pretty wary to have 28:36 as my lowest gear. altough i'm sure i'd deal with it...
What a Ballbag .
I'm running 26-38 rings and 11-36 cassette on my 29er with a 2x10 set up and it's fine for all my offroad riding round Derbyshire. The only times I've wanted anything else is on long gradual road descents where the 38x11 can pedal out quite easily, not a problem on steep hills though as I tend to freewheel anyway.
Personal, and you'll get both ends of the spectrum, you basically already have above!
Just think about what you use now - do you use your current 22/32 (or 34) bottom gear a lot? If you do then I'd think again, if not then you'll be fine.
I'd say 26/38 will be fine if you're reasonably fit, a 26/36 bottom gear is still pretty low! FWIW I've run various 9 and 10 speed doubles over the years; 32/44, 30/42, 28/40 and 28/42, now run 1x10 with a 36t and 11-36, and find it spot on. Obviously a 29er's very slightly higher, but I do prefer it to a double.