I run 10sp XT on my Ice Cream Truck, but beach/winter riding has done for the clutch on the mech so need a new one. Also need to replace the drivetrain.
Currently I have a 28t ring and 10-42 cassette giving a low gear of 18 inches, which works fine. However I spend a lot of time in the smallest 3 cogs when trail riding which is chewing the freehub (and I sometimes run out of gears a bit).
Easy fix - 32t ring and 48t cassette would give the same bottom gear. However I've got a direct mount hanger - is there any kind of wolftooth type device which would fit this and allow me to run an xt mech (rated max 42t) with 48t? Or will I have to upgrade the whole lot to 12sp to achieve this?
Might want to check, ten speed xt doesn't do a 10-42 cassette. Probably an 11-42. Without going 12 speed you're not going to get that 10 on the back, the problem you're going to have is availability, 11 and 12 speed stuff is scarce these days. I've just gone 12 speed from 10 and the options weren't huge.
Have you tried a quick clean and regrease on the clutch part of the mech first?
I thought my XT mech was goosed when the clutch wasn't holding tension but a quick YouTube tutorial and 30mins of elbow grease later and it was working good as new.
There's only a few options for you (assuming you have through axle hubs)-
- 32T ring and existing mech and hanger - there's no way to do this as far as I know. There aren't any extenders that fit a direct mount hanger, just the mech.
- 32T ring, existing mech and a new hanger - if you use Surly's 14mm adjustable MDS chip this has a regular mech hanger. You could then use something like Wolf Tooth's Goat Link, but this only lets a 10spd mech handle a 42t cog so might be pushing it on a 48t. You could give it a try and I'm sure someone on here is running 10 speed with a 50t cog somehow. You may need to get a B-link to fit the mech, then a normal mech hanger extender.
- 32t ring, 12 speed, new hanger - Shimano don't do 12 speed direct mount mechs so you'd need the adjustable MDS dropouts, new mech, new chain and new drivetrain. This would definitely work with a 48t largest cog (though I don't think anyone makes such a 12spd cassette - you'd be looking at a 50t). Give you need everything apart from a new shifter to get what you want anyway, I'd do this or get 11spd rather than trying to bodge what you have with links.
The M4100 Deore Claims to clear a 46t Cassette, might squeak a 48t... Right?
Considering most 10 speed Dynasis mechs were never supposed to be able to exceed 36t cassettes but lots got stretched round 40/42t sprockets.
Shimano err on the side of caution, knowing at least some users will nudge that envelope a tad.
Munrobiker - thanks, pretty much confirms the conclusions I'm coming to.
Think I may go for a new MDS dropout chip for standard derailleur, and if I'm going to replace the lot, the Microshift groupset (If I can get hold of it) which would give me 11-48 and XT weight for much less £££.
Hmm, all Microshift out of stock with distributor according to LBS. Think again...