Can someone explain the shimano xt 1x11 30,32 and 34

Danieljephcott
Danieljephcott Posts: 334
edited September 2016 in MTB workshop & tech
Having a 1x11 setup on my new bike but I can order it with the 30,32 or 34.

Unsure on which to go for. Currently my main trail I do is Cannock so it's not the fastest in the world but with my current 3x9 setup o do love getting in that granny ring especially as my fitness isn't great.

I worry I'll get a 1x11 and kill my self trying to get up climbs.

If it helps the perfect low end for my would be 1x3 on my shimano Altus and top end I'd be happy with 2x9. Not sure if that helps to compare what the difference would be on the 1x11 setup.

As always your help is much appreciated

Dan

Comments

  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    I'm fifty and not that fit and dont need anything lower than a 32front 34rear at Cannock, even relatively unfit you shouldn't need lower than 32 with an 11-40 or 11-42!
    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.
  • doomanic
    doomanic Posts: 238
    I'm 46 and unfit/fat knacker and I never use lower than 32/32 at the FoD (Verderers) or QECP (Red and Blue). I'm not the fastest, but nothing stops me.
  • doomanic
    doomanic Posts: 238
    DP. Use this website for gear ratio comparisons... http://gears.mtbcrosscountry.com/
  • swod1
    swod1 Posts: 1,639
    What cassette are you getting on your new bike?

    As shimano now make an 11-46 you could get away with a 34 up front.
  • kajjal
    kajjal Posts: 3,380
    Just compare the gearing to your current setup and be honest about which gear ratios you need to enjoy the trails you ride. Most trail centres suit 1 x 11 but for proper xc riding a wider range of gears can be needed.
  • Danieljephcott
    Danieljephcott Posts: 334
    Bike will come with a shimano xt cs m 8000 11-42 and I can have the xt fc m 8000 30,32 or 34.

    Seems like the 32 is the more popular choice.
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    32 is the safe choice for you, you may struggle slightly on a 34 while the top end speed advantage would be marginal.
    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.
  • JBA
    JBA Posts: 2,852
    What bike are you getting?
    Is 2x10 or 2x11 an option?
    Maybe see how you get on with a 2xYY set up and then decide if you want to convert to 1xYY later?
    “Life has been unfaithful
    And it all promised so so much”

    Giant Trance 2 27.5 2016 ¦ Sonder Broken Road 2021¦ Giant Revolt Advanced 2 2019 ¦ Giant Toughtroad SLR 1 2019 ¦ Giant Anthem 3 2015 ¦ Specialized Myka Comp FSR 2009
  • Danieljephcott
    Danieljephcott Posts: 334
    Looking at the rose granite chief 2016 model. Comes with the xt 36-26 with the rear being an 11-40 but if I change it comes with a 11-42 at the rear with the choice of a 30,32 or 34 front
  • whyamihere
    whyamihere Posts: 7,715
    Go for the 32. It's a decent middle ground, and a new ring doesn't cost a lot if you decide you want to change.

    I go around Cannock with 32-36 as my lowest gear. I occasionally want something slightly lower on the steeper bits of the monkey when I'm knackered, but that's just lack of fitness, the ratio's fine.

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