32 teeth or 26 and Marzocchi & Fox rorks

bekneeboy

So, I'm about to replace my chainset - cassette and chain - for either the Sram PG970 DH (26teeth) or 32 tooth variety of the non DH, both in 9spd. What I would like some advice from some kind person is, am I actually going to miss the extra 6 teeth on climbs - climbs being Cwmcarn-esque.

A little about the bike this is going on, on one 456, this is my bike of preference for commuting to work but I only ever use the higher gears (top 9) when actually mountain biking, and I much prefer riding up a hill slowly than push so that is probably one area that I might miss the extra few teeth...

Also, I've read a bit about Fox forks having a service thing necessary for the warranty, which, although I understand taking care of your bits and pieces is important, but I like to service myself and as little as possible, so perhaps they aren't a strong fit. Which brings me onto what I then read about new Marzocchis - which have a 3 year warranty with no service requirement for the warranty, now, can anyone recommend some of the newer Marzocchis offering between 100mm&160mm travel etc. that they have/ridden or been impressed with? Price range upto about £400, although I may have to reconsider...

I appreciate any advice.

RIKO

Go for the 32 tooth option the Dh version is more limited on ratios regarding forks Fox are generally pretty reliable most manufactures say about regular servicing as standard

The Rookie

If your riding on road 26t front is going to be very limiting, my commuter runs a 46t 1x9 (11-28t) and is about right for most moderate up and down hills.
Not done Cwmcarn but I did all of Cannock regularily on a 32T front which is why my 2x9 is now 26/36!

felix.london

Just work out the equivalent ratios on your set up now and get climbing. The only person that knows if your gonna miss the extra teeth is you.

EDIT - I thought you were talking about the chainset - you mean the cassette, I guess? Yes - 11-32t all day long for me. I've gotta SRAM PG-970 (9sp, 12-26) on the the DH bike and there's no way I'd put one of those on any bike where I was going to be pedalling up hill for any length of time - already gotta change to a 34t ring (from the 38t that comes as standard) because even small uphill sections have me out of the seat on 38/26. 34/26 should be fine as there's not a lot of uphill when doing downhill

bekneeboy

Yeh, may have meant drive chain... I live NEAR (nobody ever lives in) Swindon, so it's fairly flat for the commute until a road bike is built...

Just checked the chain rings I'll be using, 22tooth so 22:26 or 22:32...

Cheers then!

rockmonkeysc

I would go for a 32t cassette and a set of Marzocchi or Rockshox forks. I have had Fox Float forks and they are ok but overpriced and the coating on the stanchion wears quickly which I have been told is a common problem. Either Marzocchi 44's or Rockshox Revelations would be my choice, probably the Marzocchi's

bekneeboy

For anyone interested - I went for the 26 tooth option and so far see not a lot of difference. It keeps me going at an acceptable pace when going uphill...