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33T vs 34T

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rave81

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I am currently using a 34T for 1x10 setup, today I hand difficulties climbing 1km steep hill. I am thinking to purchase a 33T ring, because this is the smaller chain ring I could use with e.thirteen XCX chain guide.

Do you think it will make a big difference using a 33T in steep climb?
 
#3 ·
In a matter of speaking, you will see a difference - combined with changing your rear wheel to a smaller diameter, you will be amazed.
I have noticed that as tires grow in width, their sidewalls also increase. Sometimes, all it takes is going from a 29x2.25 to a 29x2.1 to notice a difference.
So change in tire and chainring diameter will make a HUGE difference in your climbing abilities - all that without going with the 1x11 that you have been considering :)
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
akaflash said:
In a matter of speaking, you will see a difference - combined with changing your rear wheel to a smaller diameter, you will be amazed.
I have noticed that as tires grow in width, their sidewalls also increase. Sometimes, all it takes is going from a 29x2.25 to a 29x2.1 to notice a difference.
So change in tire and chainring diameter will make a HUGE difference in your climbing abilities - all that without going with the 1x11 that you have been considering :)
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This weekend I got 3 mates who uses 2x10 and 3x10. they have no problems climbing long steep hill, while I was struggling to climb that hill.

Personally I might convert back to 2x10, but before doing that I'll change my front ring to 32T.

The only good thing about running 1x10 setup is that I dont have problems with chain derailing when riding aggressive downhill.
 
#6 ·
rave81 said:
This weekend I got 3 mates who uses 2x10 and 3x10. they have no problems climbing long steep hill, while I was struggling to climb that hill.

Personally I might convert back to 2x10, but before doing that I'll change my front ring to 32T.

The only good thing about running 1x10 setup is that I dont have problems with chain derailing when riding aggressive downhill.
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You should definitely try the 32T first. Personally, I do most of my climbing in 3rd (32 x 28) and my steep climbing in 2nd gear (32 x 32). 1st gear (32 x 36) is emergency only and I almost never (emphasis added) use it. If it turned out I was doing a lot of climbing in 1st gear I would consider a different setup on the front ring, as you appear to be doing.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
steelhmr said:
You should definitely try the 32T first. Personally, I do most of my climbing in 3rd (32 x 28) and my steep climbing in 2nd gear (32 x 32). 1st gear (32 x 36) is emergency only and I almost never (emphasis added) use it. If it turned out I was doing a lot of climbing in 1st gear I would consider a different setup on the front ring, as you appear to be doing.
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What about riding downhill is the 32T enough to pick up more speed?
 
#8 ·
rave81 said:
What about riding downhill is the 32T enough to pick up more speed?
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I've never had any trouble picking up speed downhill. I can still go up to 10th gear (32 x 12) if needed, but I have never had the need or desire to do so.. This has never ever been an issue for me, but I'm not doing downhill/enduro racing so take it for what it's worth. Gravity itself should take care of the majority of speed. Are you currently at or anywhere close to not having a high enough gearing for getting speed downhill? As above, 34 to 32 x 12:

Gear ratio = 2.83 to 2.67
Gear inches = 82.17 to 77.33
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
steelhmr said:
I've never had any trouble picking up speed downhill. I can still go up to 10th gear (32 x 12) if needed, but I have never had the need or desire to do so.. This has never ever been an issue for me, but I'm not doing downhill/enduro racing so take it for what it's worth. Gravity itself should take care of the majority of speed. Are you currently at or anywhere close to not having a high enough gearing for getting speed downhill? As above, 34 to 32 x 12:

Gear ratio = 2.83 to 2.67
Gear inches = 82.17 to 77.33
Click to expand...
I find the 34T front is not enough for downhill/enduro racing. Initially I was thinking to use 36T or 38T, but I'm struggling to climb with my 34T. last weekend the steep climb took us 45 mins, before a 20 mins downhill ride. I was really struggling, some section of the steep climb I have walk, while my mates still riding their bikes using granny rings. I can still managed to climb, but its really heavy on my legs.

Here is one of the section of the steep climb
 
#10 ·
1x10 is not for everyone..

It works for me because I dont have long and steep ups or downs. With a 36T rear cassette, I just wouldnt have the range.

1x11 makes up for this by using a 42T cassette.

You may just have to go back to 2x10...
 
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#11 ·
Might consider:
Training and working your way to higher gearing (like a 34 or 36 up front).
For long-lasting knees, try a 30 or 32 up front - assuming that you at least have a 11-36 in the rear. The first few days of the season should be "nice and easy" - or even going back to a 2x10 setup.
Here's a setup: 1x10 / 30T / 11-36 rear for about 22 MPH without spinning out.
 
#12 ·
singlespeed. the answer. can't climb a particular hill? keep trying. it'll only make ya stronger. gearing down is like throwing in the towel and will only make ya weaker. or just get off, shoulder yer rig and run right on by yer granny gear bros.

rog
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
Once the 32T arrive next week ill give a go for a month and il go to the gym for more lower limbs work out. :) if doesnt work either I go back to 2x10 or upgrade my drive train to xO1/xx1 :). I really like the effiency of 1x10, less maintenance and shifting is faster :).
 
#14 ·
The 1x10 / 1x11 is so quiet - it's amazing.
This is my second bike setup without a chain guide, and I couldn't be happier with its stealth mode. The only thing, I want to save my knees, so I am going with a 28T up front. The key to not getting damaging knees is for sure training, staying fit, and spinning fast (instead of pushing a big gear) when ever possible.

When out of shape using an 11-36 / 30T - I just stay off big and long hills - just long enough until I get back into shape. At my old age, I have to take it easy at first, but am fine within a week or so.
 
#15 ·
rave81 said:
Once the 32T arrive next week ill give a go for a month and il go to the gym for more lower limbs work out. :) if doesnt work either I go back to 2x10 or upgrade my drive train to xO1/xx1 :). I really like the effiency of 1x10, less maintenance and shifting is faster :).
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Don't waste your time in a gym, you'd be better off spending that time pedalling ur bike.
 
#17 ·
Muscle mass and strength is rarely a problem in cycling because we push very small "weights" when pedaling compared to weight lifting. I'm not saying it won't help you but don't expect miracles, I think you would be better off doing some endurance work especially since you speak of a 45 minute climb.
 
#18 ·
PissedOffCil said:
Muscle mass and strength is rarely a problem in cycling because we push very small "weights" when pedaling compared to weight lifting. I'm not saying it won't help you but don't expect miracles, I think you would be better off doing some endurance work especially since you speak of a 45 minute climb.
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^^^^^^Yep What this guy said^^^^^^

The Gym is a waste of time unless it's 40 below and snowing for months on end... Muscle mass will not help you climb. Why do you think the best climbers in the world are bird light? It's because they have a good power to weight ratio. Gaining mass (weight) will not help you go up faster. It might help you sprint though...

You'd be better off just pedalling your road bike to cut weight and gain endurance then you won't be so tired when you get to more techincal sections like the one you've posted photos of.

Or better yet save some weight by axeing all the gears and going single.
 
#19 ·
Perhaps working on climbing technique too:
Seat & spin - ensure you pull efficiently (knees perfectly in line etc...)
Stand up ever 7 minutes for 2 minutes
If the gear seems too "heavy", play with your 1x10 ratio - if that doesn't work after couple of weeks, you know you cannot achieve the right gears. Then, and only then I would resort to:
1x11 - and playing with ratios there.
2x10 - and keep playing with ratios.
No matter what, I don't recommend stressing your knees too much, nor going to a gym.
 
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