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I'm running 165mm XT cranks (96bcd), with a 30t oval ring, on 11spd 10-42, Shimano shifting.
It's not quite low enough for the riding I'm doing at the moment so...
my options are:
1. bigger cassette, so something like a 11-46 11spd Sunrace.
2. swap to Sram 12spd and go 10-50
3. leave the 10-42 but fit a 28t oval
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1. is okay I suppose but I'd lose the 10t, the cassette is a tad heavy and I'd need to swap the freehub back to Shimano.
2. is okay but I'd need to spend a fair bit and I don't really like Sram shifters.
3. is cheaper/simpler but unfortunately isn't straightforward as XT cranks won't go below 30t on an oval, so then I'd need a new crank..... so....
165mm cranks, with a direct-mount 28t ring would be fine but so far I've only found:
- Hope (good cranks but not that cheap, plus a 30mm BB)
- Rotor (CRC have some good deals on Raptor/Hawk atm but the chainline isn't that great as I have a BB92 and, according to Rotor, you have to run boost cranks on this BB and my frame isn't boost...)
- RF Atlas (cheaper than Hope and possible. I'd need a new BB too as they are 30mm)
- RF Aeffect (RF says they do 165s but I haven't seen any for sale yet)
Anything I've missed?
[I don't want Sram/GXP cranks, before you suggest this.I don't want round rings, or 170mm either]
are you unfit, overweight or do you ride very steep climbs?
You can use 11 speed shimano shifters and rear mech with a sram 11 speed cassette, I think there is a good chance that will also apply to 12 speed, it is certainly my intention.
fitness is a factor but it's more to do with back issues, and seated climbing.