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I recently rode a multiday bikepacking trip where i needed lower gearing.
I currently run 1x10 and had a 30t NW chainring and a shimano 11-42 rear cassette.
So having gone 1x, im considering going 2x or maybe 3x. i have both 2x and 3x XT chainsets on other bikes, hat are underused in a x role.
My frame has a direct mount fitting for the FD. I like the simplicity of 1x, but more range seems like i would have to go SRAM transmission which seems expensive in comparison to going 2x.
If i run an 11-36 cassette, can i run a 32/20?
Will this shift ok? Any other suggestions?
What's the capacity of your rear mech? Your proposed setup needs 33 teeth (8 front and 25 rear). You could fit an 11-46 cassette.
Depends how much you ran out of oomph really as to what's best
I've got 26-38 double and an 11-42 on my bikepacking bike - works fine in all combinations. 26/42 is a very low gear, but I guess you could 24-36, or even 22-36 and it would work fine!
stealth granny - I don't bike pack but run 1x on my (only) MTB and on a day when I know I may need a bail out, I fit a 24T inner to the inside tabs of my 1x I don't bother with the derailleur or shifters as by the point I need the bailout a 10 second breather to stretch and drop the chain onto the inner by hand is no hardship. A lot of the time I don't need it but it has saved me a couple of times.
I've used a 26t N/W oval chainring on the granny tabs when I've been to very crazily hilly places, with 11-42 at the back. It worked pretty well.
Next chainset though will be direct mount and I have a 46t cassette on order.
For 46t though you'll either need a goatlink (or similar) or an 11 speed rear mech (same pull ratio as 10 speed).
2x makes me very confused if I also have a dropper post. I tried it, it was horrid. Worse than getting off and pushing!
there was a guy who i rode with and he had SRAM 10-50 and a 26t front ring. He could ride a more laden bike when i was struggling/getting off and crying.
I do have an 11sp rear mech at present. A shimano XT with a clutch. not sure which model though.
My old Tallboy will let me stick a 22 on the front (a 2x system) and an 11-36 cassette on the back - lets me winch up most trails fully loaded. The 22 only works cos the bike is loaded or there can be chain rub on the front shifter.
I started on a 3x system ages ago, I ride a 1x on the fattie through the winter and this 2x system (above) is the most versatile I can find, and the chain lasts for ages!
My XT chainset is a triple stamped M780, so im goind to see what size inner ring it will take. A 22 may well do it