1*10 questions

Lewis A

Hi all, I'm in the process of upgrading my bike to 1*10, (drivetrain needed replacing anyway) and I have a couple of questions regarding gearing.
Currently, my bike is running 3*9, and, like many I very never/rarely use the granny or the big ring respectivley. I'm keen on 1* rather than 2*, due to the extra cost of a shifter, mech, the added weight and complexity. At the moment I have a 32t middle and 11-32 cassette. I've been thinking about putting on an 11-36 XT cassette, in case I need it for longer days. Thing is, I'm torn between 11-34/6 and also 32/4t chainring. I use my bike to ride 2 miles on road to and from work everyday, it's hilly (Scotland), and I do spin out in my middle ring. I'm pretty sorted regarding which parts I'll use (Zee (Zed) mech, Saint shifter, etc.), but this is a bit of a dilemma.

Any advice?

felix.london

ride around in your middle ring only for a few days and see which ends of the cassette you feel you're missing.

http://www.bikecalc.com/gear_ratios

The Rookie

When going 1* on an MTB always use the widest range cassette available, so 11-36 for 10 speed, it's silly to loose any range at all.

As for 32 or 34T front, I run 32 and 11-34 (1*9), with 1*10 I would probably run a 34T, but it depends on you, your riding, how fit you are and where you ride!

wilberforce

I switched to 1x10 two months ago, running 34T front and 11-36 rear. No issues so far and range seems just fine for both climbing and also flat tarmac

njee20

The Rookie wrote:

When going 1* on an MTB always use the widest range cassette available, so 11-36 for 10 speed, it's silly to loose any range at all.

As for 32 or 34T front, I run 32 and 11-34 (1*9), with 1*10 I would probably run a 34T, but it depends on you, your riding, how fit you are and where you ride!

This. I ran a 36t with 11-36 on 1x10, suited me. YMMV.

BloggingFit

I run 11/36 rear, 34t in winter and 36t in summer.

Lewis A

I'm sure I replied just after the beginner, but here goes again... Looking at the ratios calculator I think I'll probably go for 34/11-36. Unfortunately I snapped the chain on my bike last week, so I bought a new one (It was past saving), but it jumps like hell in the middle ring (presumably it's much more worn than the inner and outer) so I can't really double check I can get up everything, though I'm pretty sure of almost all my riding. If I can nearly get up everything in a 32-32 gear, will I still with 34-36? I'm certain I said something else, but I can't remember what...

The Rookie

34/36 is a lower gear than 32/32, so if you can get up it now it will be easier on the new gearing.

Lewis A

Great, thanks all, your advice has really helped. I sense a big post in the I've ordered thread...