I'm getting new wheels and want to get an XT cassette. Can somone explain how much climbing gear I will loose going from a 34T setup to 32T? Is the less weight worth it in the 32T setup?
Even though I have a 34T cassette now I'm finding that its not really needed unless you're 1x9.
The jump from 34T to the next gear (26T) can be quite a large on at least on my 8 speed setup.
One thing cool about a 34T is that it gives you almost the same gear inches in the middle chainring as the 32T did on the smallest chainring.
In other words not much use for the small chainring if you go 34T.
I prefer the 32's, which give you a 28 and 32t cogs as your two largest cogs instead of a 30 and 34. It's a little more useful and there's nothing I can't climb in 22x32 that I could in 22x34, at that point technique is more important than gearing.
I do run a 2x9 setup. 11x34's are better suited to being matched with a touring-geared crank like the 48x36x26 XT with it's wider spacing and larger granny gear or for a allroad 1x9 setup with a large front ring.
I prefer the 32's, which give you a 28 and 32t cogs as your two largest cogs instead of a 30 and 34. It's a little more useful and there's nothing I can't climb in 22x32 that I could in 22x34, at that point technique is more important than gearing.
I do run a 2x9 setup. 11x34's are better suited to being matched with a touring-geared crank like the 48x36x26 XT with it's wider spacing and larger granny gear or for a allroad 1x9 setup with a large front ring.
It's all relative. 29" wheel, you might want the lower gear. Steep climbs, lower gear. City bike path, higher gear. Steep long climbs above 10,000' while seated, absolutely lower gear.
Depends on how you ride, where you ride, what you ride, and what makes your manhood look bigger.:thumbsup:
Yes, I ride a triple chain ring, although I don't think I have been on the granny ring but one time this year. I'm thinking of going with the 32T since I will loose a little more weight. I think the 32T XT cassette comes in at about 264 grams?.
Thanks for all the great replies.
I prefer a 32t. WIth that being said, I havent run a 34t. I think it depends on where you live, I live in Northern California and think that 32t is all I need, maybe if you are in Colorado you might need a 34t.
I like the 11-32, but mainly because the jump from the 11 tooth cog is smaller. I don't remember the specifics, but I think and 11-32 is 11, 12, 14, 16 etc where the 11-34 is 11, 13, 15, 17 ... I notice the big gaps between gears more when i'm on the road, than on the trail, but it makes it harder to maintain a nice even cadence.
How much has the chain stretched, 1% is a good rule of thumb as to when to change a chain.
Since each link is half an inch measure the pin to pin length of 8 links. it will be slightly greater than 4 inchs, divide it out and voila, the lbs will have a tool.
Unless you have ridden a lot of dust and mud without cleaning and lubeing your chain should be okay.
How much has the chain stretched, 1% is a good rule of thumb as to when to change a chain.
Since each link is half an inch measure the pin to pin length of 8 links. it will be slightly greater than 4 inchs, divide it out and voila, the lbs will have a tool.
Unless you have ridden a lot of dust and mud without cleaning and lubeing your chain should be okay.
The rule of chain replacement that I've always used is to measure 12 links and if it is over 12 1/8 inches, then it needs to be replaced. I usually replace after it measure more than 12 1/16th, just to be safe.
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