2x10 - cassette ratio dilemma

Linger75

First post on BikeRadar! Here goes...
I am currently in the process of converting my Cotic Soul to a 2x10 setup from a standard 3x9 and am struggling to decide which ratio cassette to go for. The crank is 42-28.
I am a resident of the mountain biking Mecca that is Norfolk so probably around 90% of my years riding is done here, although we are finding ourselves travelling more and more to slightly more undulating regions of the UK.
As i am in one of the flattest parts of the country I am permanently pedalling so am reasonably fit, also commuting on a singlespeed helps too. So i just wanted a bit of feedback on how people with 42-28 cranks have got on with their 2x10 setups
Cheers!

Chunkers1980

Why are you going x2 when a triple gives you a greater spread?

Linger75

Like I said, majority of my riding is where I live in Norfolk so I could actually get away with 1x9. My drivetrain needs replacing so I fancied giving something new a try

supersonic

If you are not using any of the lower gears, might as well get a close ratio cassette ie 11-28, or even less.

njee20

I'd always go wider - 11-36. IMO (and I ran a 12-27 for a while), close ratio blocks are a pain off road, even in Norfolk.

thelonegroover

42/28 is quite high geared. My 2x10 came with 38/24 and 11-34. I changed my cassette to a 11-36 because I needed a lower gear for the Yorkshire Dales, you could probably get away with a 11-32.

njee20

That makes no sense? You needed a lower gear, but because he's got larger chainrings you think a harder gear will be ok!?

Unless you go 11-36 there's no real point going 10 speed, save yourself the money, and just go 2x9. I used to run 30/42 and 28/40 with 11-34 cassettes on 9 speed.

thelonegroover

For me a lower gear was better, for the OP a higher gear would be better, because they are in a geographically flat region (Norfolk).

njee20

But an 11-36 gives an identical top gear, so why limit yourself at the other end with a 32?

thelonegroover

Closer ratio may be smoother changing and a bit lighter weight, I was merely agreeing with the OP, he doesn't need a very low gear.

The Rookie

Personally I'd either stick with 2x9 with whatever ratio Linger wants, or if riding on the flat go 1x10 with an 11-36 and whatever chainring he thinks will suite.