[Closed] Choosing Cassette Ratio

Wheel size?

Chainring(s) size?

What sort of riding do you do?

Mtb , cx, road , 1x, 2x, 3x - come on give us a clue

wheel size - 26"
Triple Chain rings sizes 42.32.24t
hmmm road and offroad a mixture really what ever takes my fancy.

tom

sorry guys mtb
3 upfront

11-32 will give you more gears than you could ever use with a triple chainset.

MTB, basically if there are hills involved you want more bottom end, so 36.

I'd only be looking at smaller if I was only doing flat stuff, xc racing on the flat, or purely DH.

Those all start at 11 at the top end and with the triple up to 42 you'll get loads of flat speed, though likely you'll only see that on the road. If you're favouring off more than on, I'd consider not bothering with a triple as you may not use the big ring much if at all.

Have a play with gear ratio calculators online also. If you know a set up that you're used to, put that in and play about with different options to see what ratios you gain or lose. Likewise try it with 2x or even 1x and see what a difference that makes.

p.s. 9 speed, 10, 11 ?

11-32 should be more than enough with a triple chainset.

I'm currently running a triple with the same chainrings as you but with a 11-34 cassette and will change to an 11-32 when the cassette wears out as the lowest gears are far too spinny for me.

On the plus side, I can climb stuff most of my 1 x 11 mates could only dream of. 😆

with those chainrings, 11.32

Deadkenny its 10speed.
Any I had a look my old bike which is running 9spd triple up front and 11.34 back was more than good for what I use it for. So I'm gonna try either 11.32 or 11.34.

Tom

It's quite personal. I happily use a 22x34 on my 26" wheel MTB. So I would go 36

But my more versatile bike (old hard tail with slicks) is 22x30 as the bottom gear. I get on fine with that as well as its less used for proper off road

Hmm well thanks for the help anyway guys. I appreciate like a lot of things on bikes it's user preferance. I'll have a think
Tom

I'd go 11-36 how many times do you wish for a lower gear? Then you'll have it

11-36,so when you go to 2x you have the better range

hi guys yeah was on the phone to crc today sorting out some things and got on to the conversation about cassette they recommended going 11.36. said its so much better for bottom end for hills etc. but perfectly usable for road use too. matches with 10 speed very well the said.

tom

Wide range 11-36 equals less shifting between front rings even with a triple, it's not just about having 'low enough' gearing.

get whatever is cheapest, with a triple you'll have about 15 surplus gears anyway, and the same gear about 3 times

get whatever is cheapest, with a triple you'll have about 15 surplus gears anyway, and the same gear about 3 times

It'll last way longer than a 1 ring system as you'll use each gear so much less often. Plus you can keep the chain reasonably straight most of the time 😀

I'll get my coat, sorry off message

arghhhh cant decide... dont wanna get one and it be no use.

Just go with the middle one i.e. 11-34.

36 would be my choice

arghhhh cant decide... dont wanna get one and it be no use

Its not that bike a choice is it. Its like 1 gear hardly a bike wrecker

its time you went to sheldon brown and used the gear inch calculator, so you can see exactly what you might be missing.

and im sure you have already checked the hub you have to see what 'grade' of cassette you should get...
SRAM or Shimano.....
and the best price?

but face it, if you ever decide to go 2x or 1x you will buy the appropriate chain and cassette at that point.

Which ever you choose, you won't know if it's right unless you buy all three and try them out so just go for the one with the biggest range. 11-36.

I haven't heard about anyone complaining "oh, I've got too many gears!" - go with the 36.

I must be getting old i read choosing cassette radio ffs

36 for my money. The gaps aren't an issue and fewer front shifts is all good.