[WEBERTIME]

In light of the economy I am going to have just one bike. I was going to run a 36/22 (2x9) on my Niner, but now that I'm going to be using it on the road/commuting I want a third ring (higher gear) for that.
With an 8 tooth jump (outer to middle) then a 14 tooth jump (middle to granny) am I asking for trouble? Is that even possible? To those who have similar set ups, what should I be looking for?

 

[rockyuphill]

The big issue will be having enough clearance between the bottom of the FD inner cage and middle ring when you're shifting to the 44T, that will be product specific to the FD. You'll likely end up with the derailleur about 6mm above the 44T ring to have enough clearance to the middle ring, and that may mean some chain rub on the back of the derailleur cage when you're in the granny.

 

[lornibear]

I used to run a 36 - 22 on my bike and to be honest, it didn't work. I constantly found that I was up and down due to missed ratios and under load, the shifting was terrible between 22 - 36.
I have subsequently found that many advise not to exceed a 12 tooth difference between rings. Hope this helps.

 

[WEBERTIME]

The big issue will be having enough clearance between the bottom of the FD inner cage and middle ring when you're shifting to the 44T, that will be product specific to the FD. You'll likely end up with the derailleur about 6mm above the 44T ring to have enough clearance to the middle ring, and that may mean some chain rub on the back of the derailleur cage when you're in the granny.

Exactly what I was thinking... hmmm maybe a 32t then...

 

[WEBERTIME]

I used to run a 36 - 22 on my bike and to be honest, it didn't work. I constantly found that I was up and down due to missed ratios and under load, the shifting was terrible between 22 - 36.
I have subsequently found that many advise not to exceed a 12 tooth difference between rings. Hope this helps.

Indeed, thanks man!

 

[shiggy]

I used to run a 36 - 22 on my bike and to be honest, it didn't work. I constantly found that I was up and down due to missed ratios and under load, the shifting was terrible between 22 - 36.
I have subsequently found that many advise not to exceed a 12 tooth difference between rings. Hope this helps.

I ran a 44/28 off road for years. No ramps, no pins. Shifting was like throwing a light switch. But you have to ease off while shifting. Nothing shifts efficiently under load.

 

[rockyuphill]

Exactly what I was thinking... hmmm maybe a 32t then...

If you have a 44T on there anyway, you might as well take advantage of that entire gear spread

 

[forkboy]

In light of the economy I am going to have just one bike. I was going to run a 36/22 (2x9) on my Niner, but now that I'm going to be using it on the road/commuting I want a third ring (higher gear) for that.
With an 8 tooth jump (outer to middle) then a 14 tooth jump (middle to granny) am I asking for trouble? Is that even possible? To those who have similar set ups, what should I be looking for?

Not sure what kind of terrain you are riding, but around here a 36t middle ring would be on the large side.

I'd go with the old-school XTR gearing - 24/34/46

That'll give you a more usable range on the middle ring, and you'll be able to wail a little harder when road commuting.