29er With Double Crankset

alesupper

Hi All

I'm in the market for a 29er hardtail and a lot of the bikes that I fancy (e.g. Grand Canyon AL 9.9) come with a double crankset rather than a triple. I live on the edge of the Lake District and tend to ride on the road for 10-20 miles to get into the Lakes before riding off road. My concern is that a 38 chainring will be too small for the road? My current MTB has a 44/32/22 crankset.

Opinions welcomed?

Giraffoto

It probably won't be. You just up your cadence a bit, which is very good for your fitness levels (not that schlepping up a load of hills in the Lakes won't be)

alesupper

Thanks Giraffoto. I agree, I think it will be rare for me to be spinning out on a 38/11. Especially with the larger 29" wheels which will increase the gearing anyway.

lostboysaint

Giraffoto wrote:

It probably won't be. You just up your cadence a bit, which is very good for your fitness levels (not that schlepping up a load of hills in the Lakes won't be)

A mixture of that and also allowing for the larger gearing of a 29er (big wheels/tyres etc.) it'll be fine.

thelonegroover

I find my 29er, which has 38/24 at the front and 11/34 rear slightly high geared in bottom gear (24-34), I think a 11/36 rear would be better. I'm in the yorkshire Dales, which isn't that different to the Lakes.

alesupper

Thelonegroover wrote:

I find my 29er, which has 38/24 at the front and 11/34 rear slightly high geared in bottom gear (24-34), I think a 11/36 rear would be better. I'm in the yorkshire Dales, which isn't that different to the Lakes.

I agree. I will be using a 36-11 cassette.

njee20

You'll be fine - that's almost equivalent to a 42/11 on 26" wheels, which is plenty.

alesupper

njee20 wrote:

You'll be fine - that's almost equivalent to a 42/11 on 26" wheels, which is plenty.

Thanks for your reply. I have to admit, initially, I hadn't taken that fact that the larger wheels will increase the gearing into account.