2X10 which cassette? (11-32 / 11-34 / 11-36) ?

Eddie_Jordan
Eddie_Jordan Posts: 26
edited April 2013 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi there,
I have been searching for an answer online, but most advices there are for trail/AM bikes. I intend to ride southern xc this year maybe some other competitions. I got Boardman HT pro 26'
with FSA Comet BB30 42/27T Cranks. As stock it comes with pretty heavy sram 12-36 cassette. I have just ordered XT 11-36, but it got me thinking if I need 11-36, Should I go better for less spread gearing like 11-32 or 11-34?
Thank you.

Comments

  • thelonegroover
    thelonegroover Posts: 1,073
    The 11-36 will have a lower 1st gear than a 11-32 or 11-34, if you already have a 12-36 on your old cluster, I'd keep the lowest gear at least as low. However, it all depends on how you climb steep hills.
    Planet X Kaffenback 2
    Giant Trance X2
    Genesis High Latitude 2x10
    Planet X n2a
    Genesis Core 20
  • Eddie_Jordan
    Eddie_Jordan Posts: 26
    Thanks Thelonegroover
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    What gears do you use now? If you never use the lowest gear, then it can be taller with no effect!
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    I'd stick with what you've got. Closer ratio blocks are irritating off road IMO, may as well have the range and not waste time shifting on the front.
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    njee20 wrote:
    Closer ratio blocks are irritating off road IMO,
    11-32 is hardly close ratio, it's the same spread as we had on 8 speed at it's widest (yes I know it's spread across 2 more gears, but it's hardly a 12-26!).
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • Eddie_Jordan
    Eddie_Jordan Posts: 26
    The Beginner wrote:
    What gears do you use now? If you never use the lowest gear, then it can be taller with no effect!


    Its hard to say, because I got this bike in January, and since then been collecting miles at steady pace before races, and some other training but all on the tarmac so far. And you don't have that steep hills on tarmac roads.
  • thelonegroover
    thelonegroover Posts: 1,073
    I have 11-34 on my 29er, I think it would be better with 11-36. But I do lots of steep hills in Yorkshire. (38-24 on the chain set).
    Planet X Kaffenback 2
    Giant Trance X2
    Genesis High Latitude 2x10
    Planet X n2a
    Genesis Core 20
  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    11-32 is hardly close ratio, it's the same spread as we had on 8 speed at it's widest (yes I know it's spread across 2 more gears, but it's hardly a 12-26!).

    Well no, but it's closer than 11-36, IMO the gaps aren't an issue on a mountain bike, having to shift multiple gears all the time is a pain.

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