 You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Somill be buying a new groupset and I'm not sure what to go for. Currently using a 3x9 with a 11-34. I do use the granny (more than I'd care to admit around where I ride! ) and I do cruise along the flat / roads to and from my riding spots in the big ring and a few up on the back. This tells me that I think I should go for a 3x10, however 2x10 seems to be that bit more appealing (I have no idea why!!). Thoughts?
Why not 1x10?
For the last year I've been riding 3 x 10 on a Giant Anthem, mainly riding the Pennines, trail centres, odd Lakes etc.
Recently had my bike nicked and the replacement Anthem is 2 x 10 11-36 & 26-38. I was really apprehensive about getting the replacement bike with 2 x10, and would I be able to cope as I didnt thing I had the strongest legs climbing ie would drop to the granny when tired or on steeper hills.
However the results couldnt be more positive. Climbing is easier, climbing in the granny always left you with a part of the pedal stroke where you are not putting power through, but with 2 x 10 you are always getting power down, but it doesnt feel any harder.
Even on the flat it just feels more sorted.
Negatives - Well none really. If I am being picky, changing the front ring is more of a push on the leaver than I thought it would be. Also its going to take some time to get used to the new ratios and selecting the best combination, on fast flowing undulating singletrack I some times found myself in the wrong front/rear combo.
I'd never go back to 3 x 10.
Oh the other thing I have learnt from both setups is that KMC chains are much nicer than Shimano!
Edit: Read this below http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/going-3-x-10-to-2-x10-what-difference-will-i-notice
Why not 1x10?
I imagine because of this:
Currently using a 3x9 with a 11-34. I do use the granny (more than I'd care to admit around where I ride! ) and I do cruise along the flat / roads to and from my riding spots in the big ring and a few up on the backcare to admit around where I ride! )
I'd go for 2x10, 26/39 or similar with an 11-36 block.
Bushwacked - the answers in the op - I want the different ratios and 1x10 won't give it to me.
Funkydunc. Very good infO thank you. This'll be on my anthem so very relavent