Building my bike

shieldsy94

Hi, im building up a bike for the first time, i do 4x and downhill a tiny bit and would like to build my bike to match what i do, my problem is gearing as im not sure whether to have a road cassette and derailler or just good mtb parts (x9 etc), i have a 34 tooth chainring already from a previous bike and would like to know what gearing would be best.
Cheers Shieldsy

shieldsy94

By the way im building my bike to be light and strong!

mrfmilo

For DH/4X i'd go for a close range ratio road cassette. 12-23, 12-25, 12-27 etc. And then 34-38t front ring.

And if you're running single ring upfront, get a short cage mech indeally. Saint IMO

shieldsy94

Cheers mate, i didnt have a clue on what to do cause i didnt think i would need a large gear ratio on back. What chain would you get as i seen dura-ace at £20 whats the difference

The Northern Monkey

i'm not sure road cassettes work with all mechs... you'll have to check.

I knw that the saint mech can be adapted to run a close range road cassette.

mrfmilo

IIRC all mechs do, you just need to adjust the B screw..?

And all you need watch out for is getting the right speed chain, so obviously 9spd for 9spd setup and so on. Here is a good one:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=9873

shieldsy94

Thanks. Im gonna get a road cassette, saint rear short cage but im undecided on chains. That one is good but is there any difference in road and mtb chains as i cant see any.

mrfmilo

Not sure, just go for a MTB one, no reason not to :P

smegurmum

no difference between road and mtb chain - just watch out for the top end ones (specifically dura-ace, as if i recall they have to be fitted the right way round - certain plate facing outwards)

IMO Sram chains are the best

shieldsy94

Ok, thanks