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My cross bike still has the original SRAM Apex drivetrain, and with tackling bigger/longer hills I could do with some more range.
First thought would be to replace the 11-28T with an 11-32T as it looks like the rear mech is a medium cage, so just enough capacity. Best to stick with SRAM, like this PG1070 for under £50?
For my 10speed MTB, my LBS put together a mix of SRAM shifters/mechs with Shimano XT cassette and KMC chain, presumably for a reason - so should I follow suit and consider moving to a Shimano cassette, such as SLX or XT? (this SLX cassette is near half price of SRAM, presumably with a small weight penalty?)
Any opinions welcome 🙂
11-36 cassette with a road link (or eBay knock off equivalent) should work fine
Sram via gt Mech also goes up to 36t. 30 quid on ebay.
I think I'd be looking at the chainrings (assuming it's a double). If it's a "proper" cx bike they're likely to be pretty close in size to each other (46/36 is quite common) and that's too much overlap for most other uses. You ought to be able to fit a smaller inner ring unless the BCD's too tight, or replacing with a compact would be 50/34 or super compact maybe 48/30,
That'd keep your closeish cassette range which is nicer (if your long climbs suggest that you're riding more on roads)
My Boardman CX came with a Sram Apex medium derailler and I ran an 11-36 no problem.If yours is actually a short then one of those road links mentioned above may be needed.
36->34 or 28->32 at the back won't be much different, I'd go for 36 at the back.
Thanks for your input above - most folk mentioning a 36t cassette. Spoke to a cycling buddy at work today and he immediately said go with a 36t, then he sent me this article on road.cc that gives some decent info too.
As a fairly wallet friendly option, a 36t cassette swap is top choice.
Although scaredypants makes a really good point - the 46/36 chainrings probably aren't best suited to the mix of long road and steep off-road the bike sees. Long term, probably best to save up some money with a view to different chainrings - Absoluteblack do a lovely looking set of 48/34 rings... Maybe ditch the hefty Apex cranks for a lighter Force set... decisions decisions!