Need a granny ....

[ChrisF]

TREK Fuel EX 5 2017 comes with the following gearing : 2x10, front 36-22, Rear 11-36.

 

I immediately swopped out the rear with an 11-40 cluster.

 

 

I can handle most hills with this gear set - arthritis in the knees, so I often have to resort to the granny and patience to get to the top of a hill.  But the more I ride the better it gets.

 

 

I have tried Dorstberg (Meerendal) a couple of times.  I can handle the first few hundred meters ... then it tilts up a bit and I cant keep my cadence, and wham .... walking ... 

 

 

So now my question(s) - 

 

- what is the largest 10-speed gear that I can get ?  (I do believe that going past a 42-tooth I may need to work on the derailure/hanger)  Not worth going from a 40 to a 42 tooth .....  Looking for 44 or possibly 46 .....

 

- do I have to go 11-speed to get these large discs on the back ?  Apparently it is "possible" to fit an 11-speed cluster on this bike, without doing anything to the rim.  BUT, I would need a new derailure, possibly even a new shifter .....  What about the chain ?  Does this mean the front must also be changed ?

 

 

- frankly, is this a worthwhile exercise ?  

 

- Pro's, Con's ?

 

 

feedback would be much appreciated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

PS - I have searched The Hub, and read various threads.  Learnt a LOT, thanks guys and gals.  Did not find that thread which may answer my question though ....  If it exists, please just direct me in the right direction

[Traveler]

Perhaps go 2x11. With Shimano you might be able to use the 42t cassette?

 

I do not know if one can pair the 11-46t cassette with dual setup. Is there perhaps anybody that has made an 11-50t work with a 2x11 setup? https://www.rapide.co.za/product/sunrace-wide-range-11-speed-cassette-11-50t/

[PhilipV]

To go 11 spd you need a new shifter, derailleur, chain and cassette. And then your biggest gear iirc is a 46t. With a nasty jump between gear one and gear two. Then you can keep the 2x up front. But I won't put a new chain and cassette on old chainrings, so replace those as well.

 

Alternatively you can put a 42 cluster on the back, it will make a little difference, but I'll only do it when changing chain and rings due to wear. With an inverted B-Tension screw or a little nervous screw your current derailleur will work. I know as I have done it like that on two of my bikes.

 

But to be honest, to get the big granny, the best option would be 11spd. Wait a minute, Unless you can get a smaller small chainring? (I don't know what the smallest rings available are.) maybe find out what the smallest front rings are that you can fit?

[PhilipV]

Perhaps go 2x11. With Shimano you might be able to use the 42t cassette?

 

I do not know if one can pair the 11-46t cassette with dual setup. Is there perhaps anybody that has made an 11-50t work with a 2x11 setup? https://www.rapide.co.za/product/sunrace-wide-range-11-speed-cassette-11-50t/

2x11 will work with the 46t. With the 2x the 46 will give a ridiculously low gear.

[Kalahari Vegmot]

TREK Fuel EX 5 2017 comes with the following gearing : 2x10, front 36-22, Rear 11-36.

 

I immediately swopped out the rear with an 11-40 cluster.

 

 

I can handle most hills with this gear set - arthritis in the knees, so I often have to resort to the granny and patience to get to the top of a hill. But the more I ride the better it gets.

 

 

I have tried Dorstberg (Meerendal) a couple of times. I can handle the first few hundred meters ... then it tilts up a bit and I cant keep my cadence, and wham .... walking ...

 

 

So now my question(s) -

 

- what is the largest 10-speed gear that I can get ? (I do believe that going past a 42-tooth I may need to work on the derailure/hanger) Not worth going from a 40 to a 42 tooth ..... Looking for 44 or possibly 46 .....

 

- do I have to go 11-speed to get these large discs on the back ? Apparently it is "possible" to fit an 11-speed cluster on this bike, without doing anything to the rim. BUT, I would need a new derailure, possibly even a new shifter ..... What about the chain ? Does this mean the front must also be changed ?

 

 

- frankly, is this a worthwhile exercise ?

 

- Pro's, Con's ?

 

 

feedback would be much appreciated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

PS - I have searched The Hub, and read various threads. Learnt a LOT, thanks guys and gals. Did not find that thread which may answer my question though .... If it exists, please just direct me in the right direction

You can fit an 11-46 10sp cassette if you use an 11sp goatlink.

 

There was a guy who did this and confirmed it worked 100%.

 

Note that it could be possible to run it without a goatlink, with a large b-skrew, depending on your frame.

 

Don't know what the 11-46 10sp will cost once it's shipped etc, but suspect that in the long run 11sp could be cheaper. It will also have smaller jumps between gears.

 

As for 11sp compatibility, the cassette will fit 100% on your hub. You will need a new shifter, derailleur and 11sp chain. The rest of your setup should be compatible.

 

Edit: 3x has the same granny as 2x.....my bad...

[ChrisF]

Thanks guys.

 

Option 1 - speak to my LBS and try to find something smaller than 22 for the front.  Even a 20 would be a 10% improvement ..... would be interesting to see if this causes any issues with front shifting .....

 

Option 2 -

so 2x11

keep the front sprockets (these only have a few hundred km on, and is practically new - will get the LBS to check and confirm though)

11-44 or 11-46 on the back (11 speed)

new shifter

new derailure

 

 

 

The numbers suggests :

22-36 : 0,61  (most common granny of the shop floor)

22-40 : 0,55 - I KNOW this makes a huge difference and allows me to crawl up hills I could not with the 22-36

22-44 : 0,50 .... very tempting .....

22-46 : 0,478 .... would appreciate some feedback form somebody that has used the 44 and the 46.

[Kalahari Vegmot]

Thanks guys.

 

Option 1 - speak to my LBS and try to find something smaller than 22 for the front.  Even a 20 would be a 10% improvement ..... would be interesting to see if this causes any issues with front shifting .....

 

Option 2 -

so 2x11

keep the front sprockets (these only have a few hundred km on, and is practically new - will get the LBS to check and confirm though)

11-44 or 11-46 on the back (11 speed)

new shifter

new derailure

 

 

 

The numbers suggests :

22-36 : 0,61  (most common granny of the shop floor)

22-40 : 0,55 - I KNOW this makes a huge difference and allows me to crawl up hills I could not with the 22-36

22-44 : 0,50 .... very tempting .....

22-46 : 0,478 .... would appreciate some feedback form somebody that has used the 44 and the 46.

11sp shimano cassettes only come in 11-40, 11-42 and 11-46. No 11-44 that I know of.

[solty]

For 11spd, you could go with the Sunrace 11-46 cassette for a smoother jump to the granny. That's a really low granny... but Sunrace also have an 11-50 if you want to go off the lowness scale. I imagine that would definitely need some derailleur mods.

 

For 10spd, Sunrace also have an 11-42.

 

Haven't come across 11-44 either.

Evobikes have a good listing of different cassettes on their website.

[Sepia]

Cris,I have an ailment in my one leg and also need the granny. I have 3x up front (21-48)matched to a 11-36 at the back. I would not like a bigger at the back because I would walk faster than I ride, let alone stability.

 

Just something to be aware of.

[ABrooks]

Why not put a smaller chainring at the front (20 tooth as suggested) and the possible 11-42 cassette? That way you can keep your current 2x10 setup without needing new shifters and a rear derailleur.

 

As Sepia mentioned, stability might become a problem so maybe try the smaller chainring first. That 10% improvement might be all you need.

[ChrisF]

11sp shimano cassettes only come in 11-40, 11-42 and 11-46. No 11-44 that I know of.

 

Thank you

[ChrisF]

Why not put a smaller chainring at the front (20 tooth as suggested) and the possible 11-42 cassette? That way you can keep your current 2x10 setup without needing new shifters and a rear derailleur.

 

As Sepia mentioned, stability might become a problem so maybe try the smaller chainring first. That 10% improvement might be all you need.

 

JIP.

 

This is why it is listed as Option 1.

 

Couple of benefits (as I understand it - and please correct me) :

 

- 20 (front to 42 rear) to 40 rear = 0,5.  And I already have the 40 at the back.

 

- I know how slow 0,55 is .. This is about 7 to 8km/h, while my walking speed is about 5km/h.... going to 0,5 should be just managable (hoepfully)

 

- Maths aside, staying with 2x10 and standard components means a very cost effective solution, AND some surety that everything will work properly.  Would hate to start mixing 11-speed rear, with 10-speed front components and risk shifting issues ..... way too many threads of half conversions that end in tears.

 

- AND - this way I can do the 20-tooth (if I can find it) first, and FEEL what the effect is.  IF, I still need more help swopping out to an 11-42 is easy enough.

 

 

 

Okay, let the search for a 20 tooth start .... 

[PhilipV]

Naah there is very little difference between 10 spd and eleven speed when it comes to cranks. Shimano change the bolt pattern for some obscure reason and that is about it.

 

Just bear in mind, if you go too slow, you're more likely to wobble and have the front wheel all over the show if you are climbing at walking pace. You may find that you now have the legs to climb Dorstberg, but that the terrain is too loose-rutted to climb it at walking pace. I haven't been there in ages, but if I remember correctly it is quite a loose climb.

[RiverInTheRoad]

You will unlikely get along with a gear lower than 22-40. At that speed you will have to spin like a washing machine to not tip over.

[RiverInTheRoad]

I suggest trying a 22-42.

[BaGearA]

Consider 1x11 /1x12 

 

with A 30T oval , the oval will really help with your knee