What are your thoughts on these different chainring/cog combos? For a 29er of course. I have heard many thoughts on running bigger gears so your chain goes around bigger rings and cuts down on chain snappage and possibly makes pedaling smoother. Has anyone tried a 36-24 combo? According to my calculations it should be similar in pedaling difficulty to a 32-20. Lets hear some ideas.
32-20 or 36-24
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I'm currently using 36x22. My trails are very rocky and the 36t ring has not been a problem in terms of clearance at all. Turning the cranks does feel a bit smoother than the 32x20 combo I used before that. Also, according to Sheldon Brown's gear calculator, 36x22 is the direct equivalent of 32x20 (which is why I chose that combo)
The only downside I see gear combos with a 36t ring is that the selection is limited for cogs. I was happy enough using the $3 stamped cogs but no one makes them larger than 20t. Surly is the only affordable option in steel and is what I went with. And if you needed to go lower than a 22t for some really big climbing, those sizes are nearly impossible to find
The only downside I see gear combos with a 36t ring is that the selection is limited for cogs. I was happy enough using the $3 stamped cogs but no one makes them larger than 20t. Surly is the only affordable option in steel and is what I went with. And if you needed to go lower than a 22t for some really big climbing, those sizes are nearly impossible to find
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I'm not a fan of aluminum cogs. While many people have good luck with them there seems to be a higher percentage of problems and complaints than with steel cogs so I stick with steel. I am hesitant to spend money on products with mixed reviews. I guess as you go up in cog size the weaknesses are probably less thoughmtb4146 said:
Like I posted earlier though: 22t is all you need if you want to match a 32x20 ratio. 36x24 is more closely equivalent to 32x22
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The larger cog and ring combo will last longer if that's of any concern.
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I'm using the endless cogs, and I have had no problems. They are thicker on the bottom so they don't ruin the cassette. The cog I have needs to be replaced after 4 years of use, but I think that is a reasonable amount of time. If you want an even closer ration to 32x20, get a 23T cog.boomn said:
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I run 34-24 for my local hilly rides and switch to a 22t cog for flatter areas. I think you first need to figure out what ratio you need, as the 2 you listed are pretty different. 32-20 works out to 1.6, and 36-24 is 1.5. The 36-24 will certainly be smoother and last longer, but it is also a lower ratio. I wouldn't worry about chainring clearance, 95% of the MTB'ers ride around with a 44 or 42 tooth big ring, and they get by just fine.
Larger cogs are harder to find though. Rennen and Endless both make aluminum cogs up to at least 24t. I have been running a Boone cog for a few years and love it, but I am scared what will happen when it wears out. I really don't like aluminum cogs. I am thinking of ordering a Ti cog form Homebrew components, but also not a cheap option.
Mark
Larger cogs are harder to find though. Rennen and Endless both make aluminum cogs up to at least 24t. I have been running a Boone cog for a few years and love it, but I am scared what will happen when it wears out. I really don't like aluminum cogs. I am thinking of ordering a Ti cog form Homebrew components, but also not a cheap option.
Mark
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I got about two months worth of use from a 22t Endless when I first got into the SS scene. Teeth were bent forward, chewed to crap. Went to Surly steel and got two years out of it...it's still OK, but I switched to WI hub/freewheel and am, of course, happy.
FWIW, 34x20 for Willamette Valley, OR riding.
Brock...
FWIW, 34x20 for Willamette Valley, OR riding.
Brock...
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Yeah, the larger one might be a bit smoother and last a little longer.
However, I use the 32x20. Clearance, depending where you ride, can be nice on logs and rocks. And if you run a narrow chainline (and Q) the 32 will clear the chain stay easier with most 29ers. Or if you go custom it helps to build for more tire clearance/shorter stays in most cases.
If I wasn't worried about chain stay clearance or log clearance the larger one would probably be the way to go.
However, I use the 32x20. Clearance, depending where you ride, can be nice on logs and rocks. And if you run a narrow chainline (and Q) the 32 will clear the chain stay easier with most 29ers. Or if you go custom it helps to build for more tire clearance/shorter stays in most cases.
If I wasn't worried about chain stay clearance or log clearance the larger one would probably be the way to go.
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I just thought of another point to add to the "plus" column for the big ring: you can easily switch out the cog for a much faster road or flat trail gear without having to use a really small cog like a 12t. I find 36x16 really fun for urban riding when the trails are closed or for giving my legs a work out on the flatter trails.
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