Chain ring sizes?

bobgfish
bobgfish Posts: 545
edited March 2013 in MTB workshop & tech
Hello

I own a Epic Marathon which ships with 38/24 front ring. I was used to the classic 44/32/22 on my old 26er.

I'm finding the 38x11 a bit small for long extended downhill runs which are mainly on road or fast gravel. I am surprised just how much I use the big ring even when climbing.

So I think I need to go bigger and XO gives either the 39/26 front on 42/28 front. Does anyone have any advice? Ideally I'd go for 42/26 but is this possible? I seldom use the current 26 front and 36 rear combo. I'd like to still run an 11/36 at the back. I also believe I have to change the front mech. Anyone confirm?

Thanks
CyclingInTheLowMountainsOfSchweiz

CyclingInTheFlatlands

Comments

  • snoopsmydogg
    snoopsmydogg Posts: 1,110
    If you seldom use 26-36 why not go for the 42/28 front chainset?

    26-42 is possible but it's at max capacity for a front mech iirc.
  • benpinnick
    benpinnick Posts: 4,148
    Or even a 42/30. Thats what I run on my hardtail with a 32 at the back and its fine for everthing IMHO. I know 29ers are different to 26ers but I run a 34/36 on my FS and I have never thought to myself I need another lower gear, so why get something as small as a 26/36? Is your grandmother also riding the bike ;)
    A Flock of Birds
    + some other bikes.
  • bobgfish
    bobgfish Posts: 545
    Well the bike shipped with a 38/24 which is why I have it. The 39/26 I doubt I will notice any difference. The 42/28 just seems a bit to big. a 40/26 would be nice...I guess I don't want to splash some money and then find it's the wrong one...
    CyclingInTheLowMountainsOfSchweiz

    CyclingInTheFlatlands
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Go back to a triple?
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  • bobgfish
    bobgfish Posts: 545
    Sram vs Shimano. I'm now a gripshift convert....

    Looking at the gear charts again and nothing in it...

    18inch pedal stroke for 22x32 on 26inch
    104inch pedal stroke for 44x11 on 26inch

    19inch pedal stroke for 24x36 on 29inch
    100inch pedal stroke for 38x11 on 29inch

    21inch pedal stroke for 26x36 on 29inch
    103inch pedal stroke for 39x11 on 29inch

    23inch pedal stroke for 28x36 on 29inch
    108inch pedal stroke for 42x11 on 29inch

    Might just stick with what I've got. It's 300 francs to swap...New Chainrings and new front mech(I think) required.
    CyclingInTheLowMountainsOfSchweiz

    CyclingInTheFlatlands
  • Salsa
    Salsa Posts: 753
    Just replace the rings with Ta Specialites in the sizes you want. They're well priced and great quality.
    http://www.bike24.com/1.php?mid=81;cont ... 2,84;pgc=0

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