Lower gearing how to

[Specialized29er]

Recently I purchased a used and rebuilt Specialised 29 MB that has a 2 x 9 Shimano Deore setup with 24t & 38t at the crank and 34t on the rear hub which is ok but nothing outstanding.
I've been told I can't go any lower at the rear without a new hub so I'm wondering which would be the best way to go.
The seller said the rear rim is 4 years old and it's an Alex HR Disc 29", alloy double-wall, disc, pin joint, 24mm, 36h whatever that means.
The rim is straight and has not been buckled so would I be better off buying a new complete Alex rim and hub with lower gearing or do I buy a new hub and gears and have this fitted to my rim.
I suppose it comes down to the cost of fitting the new hub and gears to my rim compared to buying a new complete rim.


What would be a good lower gearing combination that I could use and what would I achieve by using my 24/38t crankset with say 10 or 11 gears on the rear and would I need to change either one or both sprockets at the crank.


I'd also have nothing against changing the front and rear derailleurs/shifters if need be.

 

[moorey]

You've been told wrong.

First, and it's very minor, but you could replace the cassette with somethings like a 12-36....next 9sp option is a bit of dicking around, but you'll wrangle a 9sp extender cog with a 40t rear....but it will have big jumps in gearing over 9sp.

The cheapest awesome option for more gears, is shimano 11sp. You'll get mini groupset of cassette (11-42t), rear shifter, derailleur (long cage SGS) and chain for about $280 online. It will work with your front rings fine.

You could go 10sp with extender cog...but will work out dearer then 11sp unless you find decent s/h 10sp.

Yes, a shimano 10/11sp cassette will go on your current wheel....

Edit....thb, your current wheels aren't particularly great, and the deore hubs could be flogged if they haven't been looked after and services. Could be a good time for an upgrade to a decent s/h set if money allows. This all hinges on the bike itself being decent, and worth throwing money at.

 

[Flow-Rider]

You also have the option of going to 22t & 32t chainrings.

 

[Plankosaurus]

To be honest, I can't see much point spending money to go lower at the cassette if you're keeping 2x up front. If you're struggling due to fitness, then that'll sort itself out in no time if you just persist. If you're struggling due to Hill grades, i'd suggest not trying to ride up cliff faces

24x34 is a pretty low ratio already and going up a couple at the rear or down a couple at the front isnt going to change much if you're struggling, you'll be spinning the cranks around furiously and not going anywhere!

On top of the options above, sunrace also do an 11-40 and 11-42 10sp cassette. Good option if you have someone with a cheap 10sp shifter/derailleur combo, but 11sp is the way to go if buying all new gear.

 

[Specialized29er]

I think I'll go with the 11-42 setup. The fitting of a new hub came directly from the bike mechanic I use.
As for the condition of the bike well it's 4 years old but shes like new, the guy had just spent 2,000 on the bike.

Are the Shimano Deore cranksets not that good.

The reason I want a little lower is that I'm 60, fit and active, love mountain biking and can't see why I shouldn't give the steep hills a go.
I love giving the guys half my age a beating so the lower gears will make a difference.

My last bike was stolen so until the insurance is done I bought this one for a thousand and only because it's my size and having just been rebuilt its like new.
She even has a $500 Rockshox fork fitted with the switch up on the handlebar.

Time to go looking for a bike shop that knows about bikes, today I'm competing in a 40K all uphill event so I'll ask around before the event starts.

Thanks guys much appreciated.

 

[redbruce]

I think I'll go with the 11-42 setup. The fitting of a new hub came directly from the bike mechanic I use.
As for the condition of the bike well it's 4 years old but shes like new, the guy had just spent 2,000 on the bike.

Are the Shimano Deore cranksets not that good.

The reason I want a little lower is that I'm 60, fit and active, love mountain biking and can't see why I shouldn't give the steep hills a go.
I love giving the guys half my age a beating so the lower gears will make a difference.

My last bike was stolen so until the insurance is done I bought this one for a thousand and only because it's my size and having just been rebuilt its like new.
She even has a $500 Rockshox fork fitted with the switch up on the handlebar.

Time to go looking for a bike shop that knows about bikes, today I'm competing in a 40K all uphill event so I'll ask around before the event starts.

Thanks guys much appreciated.

I'm nearly your age, fit for age (if a bit overweight) and find 36 out back with 24/36 up front works well on my Epic 29er (2x10).

2x still has a place: http://twentynineinches.com/new-whip-the-result/

 

[Dales Cannon]

I'm a couple of years behind you and run 1x11 with 32 up front on the Bronson (650b) and it's fine for the climbs around here. The fatbike is 2x10 with 36/28 to 40 with a one up modded cassette. With 4.8" tyres these are pretty much the same as a 29er. That thing climbs trees in low low. Cheapest option as has been said is to go with a smaller granny.

Crankset is ok what Moorey was referring to are the cup and cone Shimano hubs in the wheels. They are just one step above no bearings and need to be looked after. There have been a few nice 29" wheel sets on here so keep an eye out. Make sure the wheels spin nicely and without crunchy bits or wobbles. At that point throw them away.

 

[Timberwilly]

My brother (another er... older gent) retro-fitted his 10 year old Enduro with a 1x11 drivetrain and reckons it's just as good as any newfangled dually.

Myself, I haven't found a 1x11 set up limiting on the hills and it's great saying goodbye to chain suck


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[jamesb888]

OneUps for the win


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