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Hi all
I am going to be running 1x10 and am intending to go 30 x 11-36; going to be getting an XT clutch mech.
Do I need a long cage mech or will a medium do?
TIA
Medium will be fine. It'll even handle a bigger gear at the back if you want to add a range extender.
How much bigger could the rear largest cog go?
With a 30 chain ring, I think you would get away with a 42, I can manage a 40 with a 34 ring up front.
Consider a one up rad cage as well. Improves shifting if you are going to be using an expander ring and prevents you needing a ridiculous b limit screw.
On a 1x setup, I don't think the size of the front cog has an effect on mech cage length, as the cage is there to take up the slack between the extremes of the drivetrain, and as the front is fixed it doesn't contribute to that. Medium is the correct answer though, as said it'll even give you a bit extra so that you can fit a range extender cog if you want. If you go down that route there's an alternative to the Rad cage as well, Lindatets/WolfTooth components make a "GoatLink" which replaces the link connecting the mech to the hanger, and it too sorts out the b-limit screw problem.
Definitely medium. And yep, front ring makes very little difference for 1x10 (little bit of difference in chain angle, does it matter at all, who knows? But that's all)
Haven't used a goatlink but if you decide to go with a cassette expander then it's definitely worth doing more tweaks to get the best out of it. It'll probably work without any other bits, but it'll work perfectly and with easy setup and good margins for error, mud, wear etc with a radcage or similiar- like factory.