I know Shimano makes their 10-45 for 2x but what I'd like to know is if anyone has actually tried 2x with a 10-51T cassette or similar (like a 10-50 or 10-52 Sram). I know derailleurs are rated to handle certain teeth, but I also know that exceeding the specifications usually works (for example, running a 42T Wolf Tooth back when 36T was the largest).
I've been running some calculations, and 26 to a 45 in the rear of a 29er does not offer as low of a gear as 22 to a 36 on a 26" MTB. On my 29er (29x2.7), a 26 to a 45 is exactly the same as a 24 to a 36 on a 26" wheel (26x2.125). In order to match or exceed, I need at least a 26 to 48.
I am also thinking about putting together a 22/38 on a Raceface Cinch spider instead of using Shimano's 26/36 12-speed crank, though I would be using 9 or 10-speed chainrings, which brings me to another question. Does it matter what chainrings I use up front? I'm already using a 10-speed front derailleur because no one makes a 12-speed front derailleur that will fit my bike (Specialized Taco Blade which uses a custom mid direct mount). I don't think that will be an issue because I know you can use a 9-speed chain in a 7-speed system, so it shouldn't be much different than using a 12-speed chain in a 9 or 10-speed system right?
Here's the gear calculator I used.
I understand people are going to say things like, "Just work harder, walk, there isn't much difference, why, it can't be done, etc." but I would like to know if anyone has experimented with this and what their findings were.
Also, I want a 38 for when I go faster. A 26 or 30 to a 10 is just not high enough of a gear for me.
I've been running some calculations, and 26 to a 45 in the rear of a 29er does not offer as low of a gear as 22 to a 36 on a 26" MTB. On my 29er (29x2.7), a 26 to a 45 is exactly the same as a 24 to a 36 on a 26" wheel (26x2.125). In order to match or exceed, I need at least a 26 to 48.
I am also thinking about putting together a 22/38 on a Raceface Cinch spider instead of using Shimano's 26/36 12-speed crank, though I would be using 9 or 10-speed chainrings, which brings me to another question. Does it matter what chainrings I use up front? I'm already using a 10-speed front derailleur because no one makes a 12-speed front derailleur that will fit my bike (Specialized Taco Blade which uses a custom mid direct mount). I don't think that will be an issue because I know you can use a 9-speed chain in a 7-speed system, so it shouldn't be much different than using a 12-speed chain in a 9 or 10-speed system right?
Here's the gear calculator I used.
Sheldon Brown's Bicycle Gear Calculator
A JavaScript calculator for analyzing bicycle gearing
www.sheldonbrown.com
I understand people are going to say things like, "Just work harder, walk, there isn't much difference, why, it can't be done, etc." but I would like to know if anyone has experimented with this and what their findings were.
Also, I want a 38 for when I go faster. A 26 or 30 to a 10 is just not high enough of a gear for me.
