XX Crank (26-39T) vs. (28-42T)

[JohanC]

This might be a stupid question but I'm not clued-up about these.

 

Running on the rear cassette (11-36T).

 

What is the difference between (26-39T) vs. the (28-42T)? Can and when should you do this conversion?

 

Bike: Giant Antherm X 29er

 

 

Feedback would be appreciated!

[Wil6]

Depends on your fitness. If you are running a 26-39 and you feel that you don't ever use the lowest gear ratio (36-26) when climbing and that it is to easy to climb in that ratio, then get a 28-42. It will be harder to climb in this ratio.

Edited May 10, 2014 by Wil6

[Jakkals.]

If I were you stick to the 39/26. You would hardly ever go down to 42/11.

 

You can also stay a little longer in 39 before dropping down.

[TCRCARBON]

Generally most 29er bikes would be 39-26 and some even 38-26 and on ladies bikes 36-22.

 

There are few 29ers that are fitted with 42-28 as standard spec.

 

There is more effort required to get the bigger wheels in motion. When I switched from 26er to 29er I mistakenly bought 42-28. It proved a challenge to get te same acceleration. I also found that my knees started to hurt. I dropped to 39-26 was was immediately happier. I have since also had a trail 29er with 38-26 and this has been fine.

 

Unless your trails are generally very flat I would skip the 42-28 and go with 39-26 or lower.

 

 

[Stretch]

If I were you stick to the 39/26. You would hardly ever go down to 42/11.

 

You can also stay a little longer in 39 before dropping down.

 

I use 42 11 a helluva lot... But I am on a 26"

[Jakkals.]

I use 42 11 a helluva lot... But I am on a 26"

 

I'm running the same setup on my 26er, but I never get down that low. I probably generate power at a higher cadence compared to you.