26/39 vs 24/32/42

[Neg]

Need to make a decision fast!

 

both on a 29er. one is 2011 one is 2012. both same pricing. just the 2011 has a 3x10 up front 24/32/42 and 11-36 rear full XT.

 

2012 has 2x10 in front 24/39 and 11-36 rear also full XT.

 

im fast downhils and through technical stuff but i am heavy so i battle up hill... which one will be better for my style of riding?

 

need to make a decision today!

 

thanks.

[Eldron]

3x10 trumps 2x10 any day of the week.

 

I've never heard of a 3x10er going "man I wish I'd left my big/little blade at home today" - I have heard many, many 2x10ers wishing they'd had an extra big/granny ring...

 

Sure the 3x10 weighs a coupla grams more but it allows a much wider range of terrain to be conquered.

[Azonic]

I've been riding a 24/32/42 setup for ever. I took out a friend's new 29'er on a short offroad loop, on a bike that has a compact two ring setup. Yes I know it was only a 3 minute ride, but I couldn't find a gear that feels right - even one click up or down would either be too hard or easy. I much prefer a gear ratio I'm used to. Not saying I can't get used to a 2 ring setup, but I'd prefer 3 rings in sizes I'm used to.

Edited February 16, 2012 by Azonic

[Boesman Benson]

I assume the 2 x 10 is 26/39? and not 24//39.

 

If you are heavy and battle up hill - Then I suggest you rather go for that 24/36 ratio.

[Neg]

yes, sorry. 26/39.

ok, im also leaning toward the 24/32/42.

 

thanks guys.

[kandui]

I ride a 2/10 (42-28) with an 11-36 on my HT and a 3/10 (24/32/42) with an 11-36 on the back on my FS . Both 29ers.

A 2/10 can be a tougher ride up the hills, so go for the 3/10 set-up, if you battle with the climbs.

 

I will ride Epic on my FS with the 3/10, to make it a little easier on my ass and legs.

Edited February 16, 2012 by kandui

[jannosmit]

3x10!!

[Neg]

DONE!!

 

thanks guys!

[Eldron]

I ride a 2/10 (42-28) with an 11-36 on my HT and a 3/10 (24/32/42) with an 11-36 on the back on my FS . Both 29ers.

A 2/10 can be a tougher ride up the hills, so go for the 3/10 set-up, if you battle with the climbs.

 

I will ride Epic on my FS with the 3/10, to make it a little easier on my ass and legs.

 

Don't forget the downhills too - the 3x10 typically has a longert AND shorter gear than the 2x10. Spinning out on downhills is a sin deadlier than sloth!

[Spinnekop]

Personally I think it depends on you as a person. Your strength.

 

I have had the 3x10. NEVER used the small blade. Ever. Maybe once in the Epic back in the day when I was crazy.

I now have a 2 x 10 setup and I love it. I use almost all the gears.

 

Downhill.....mmmm.....only spin out at 65km/h. More than enough for MTB though IMHO.

 

Good luck with the chois.

[Eldron]

Personally I think it depends on you as a person. Your strength.

 

I have had the 3x10. NEVER used the small blade. Ever. Maybe once in the Epic back in the day when I was crazy.

I now have a 2 x 10 setup and I love it. I use almost all the gears.

 

Downhill.....mmmm.....only spin out at 65km/h. More than enough for MTB though IMHO.

 

Good luck with the chois.

 

You need to come and do more XCO racing

 

Big blade on a proper XCO course is unecessary (and that XCOSA course was no "real" XCO course he he he.)

 

Middle and big blade for marathon - granny and middle for XCO. Of course you can use a 2x10 but you'll need to keep swapping blades depending on discipline but pah - it's easier to have all 3 all the time.

 

Edit: At Sabie X I was spinning out a 42x11 and it was pi$$ing me off

Edited February 16, 2012 by Eldron

[Neg]

maybe a different topic but here is another idea.......

i have a XT 3x9 crank 22/34/44 with 11-34 off my old bike.... I used Sram XO grip shift and rear derailure.

 

now if i get the 2012 anthem- XT 2x10. 11-36 with full XT shifters and derailures... i could move my old components over, sell the New shimano stuff add in a few rand's and get better wheels??

 

would that be a better idea or would the 11-34 kill me on a 29er?

i did get a loan bike and it had 3x10 with 11-36 but i purposefully never used the 36 gear at the back. because in my head i was going to buy a frame and wheels and build up a bike, now i find that buying a whole new bike is cheaper.

so my thinking was i have a 22 in front and the loan bike had a 24 as small blade... so technically it should be ok? or am i smoking my socks?

[Dubber88]

maybe a different topic but here is another idea.......

i have a XT 3x9 crank 22/34/44 with 11-34 off my old bike.... I used Sram XO grip shift and rear derailure.

 

now if i get the 2012 anthem- XT 2x10. 11-36 with full XT shifters and derailures... i could move my old components over, sell the New shimano stuff add in a few rand's and get better wheels??

 

would that be a better idea or would the 11-34 kill me on a 29er?

i did get a loan bike and it had 3x10 with 11-36 but i purposefully never used the 36 gear at the back. because in my head i was going to buy a frame and wheels and build up a bike, now i find that buying a whole new bike is cheaper.

so my thinking was i have a 22 in front and the loan bike had a 24 as small blade... so technically it should be ok? or am i smoking my socks?

 

Currently riding a 28-40 ; 11-36 on a Niner EMD9. The ratios are of sorts that I am completely fine with them, but can understand why people complain about the ratios. Like Eldron said a long time back : It's not about thinking of using it, but rather have the option, and then use it having the option than being limited.

[Skylark]

There is a sublime pleasure to only having 2 blades up front.

24/36 is apparently a good front blade ratio for 29"

[wynandvdmerwe]

2x10

[Cejay]

I have been riding a 2X10 for a year now first on my 26er and now on my 29er.My wife (50Kg's) have been doing the same.We are riding a 26/39 ratio and will not change back to 3 blades.Riding a 2x10 means using your full cluster at the back 36-11 and not only certain gears at the back.It does take some time getting used to but once you've got it,it is as "Skylark" said sublime riding.