Upgrade Sram X9 for climbing

[partydave]

Hey guys. I've got an event coming up in a couple of months that has some serious climbs and I currently find myself struggling a bit with the really steep climbs. 

I currently run an 1x Sram x9 with 34t upfront and unknown range at the rear.

 

I'm toying with the idea of upgrading (versus training harder) to make the climbs easier. What would be the cheapest and most effecient way of making climbing easier?

 

Upgrade the whole groupset to something 10 or 11 speed?

32t upgront?

Replace biggest gear at the rear?

I remember sometime ago there was an upgrade kit for the x9 to make it 10 speed, but can't seem to find the link, maybe it was when CT just announced doobie is no legal 

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

 

P.S. I do not want to go 2x 

[PeterF]

You could put a 30t chainring on the front.

[partydave]

You could put a 30t chainring on the front.

 

That's a lot of topend lost 

[100Tours]

Hey guys. I've got an event coming up in a couple of months that has some serious climbs and I currently find myself struggling a bit with the really steep climbs. 

I currently run an 1x Sram x9 with 34t upfront and unknown range at the rear.

 

I'm toying with the idea of upgrading (versus training harder) to make the climbs easier. What would be the cheapest and most effecient way of making climbing easier?

 

Upgrade the whole groupset to something 10 or 11 speed?

32t upgront?

Replace biggest gear at the rear?

I remember sometime ago there was an upgrade kit for the x9 to make it 10 speed, but can't seem to find the link, maybe it was when CT just announced doobie is no legal 

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

 

P.S. I do not want to go 2x

 

1x9 is quite limited - both in terms of the extra gearing, and more importantly in terms of your upgrade options. You could probably go 1x10 quite easily (new shifter, rd, cassette, and chain). 1x11 may be a bit more difficult (compatibility of hub and more expensive parts).

 

1x9 cassettes typically do not run past 34t in the biggest cog. for 10s you can easily find 36-42t cogs, and for 11s up to 50t.

 

for 1x10 cassettes you might look at an 11-36 cluster with the kalbo.co.za upgrade to a 42t hill-kill ratio.

[dirtypot]

If you don't want to lose your top end and still want to be able to climb and also don't want to break the bank then you can't really go wrong with the NX Eagle.  It'll fit onto your existing freehub and give you all the range you'll need.

[partydave]

Thanks, I remember now it was Kalbo who offered the kit.

 

Going 1x10 sounds relatively expensive

 

Edit: no, I can't find the upgrade kit

[partydave]

If you don't want to lose your top end and still want to be able to climb and also don't want to break the bank then you can't really go wrong with the NX Eagle.  It'll fit onto your existing freehub and give you all the range you'll need.

 

Thanks, will investigate this. Also, Eagle sounds pimp

[PeterF]

That's a lot of topend lost 

You said you wanted to climb easier.....and with a 30 x 11 you should be able to comfortably do 36km/h on the flats.

[partydave]

You said you wanted to climb easier.....and with a 30 x 11 you should be able to comfortably do 36km/h on the flats.

 

I already top out easily on descents, but will defo give it a try as a cheap solution to my problem

[PeterF]

I already top out easily on descents, but will defo give it a try as a cheap solution to my problem

Downhills are for resting

[popcorn_skollie]

SRAM X9 or sram 1x9?

[partydave]

SRAM X9 or sram 1x9?

 

Had a full X9 groupset I converted straight to a 1x9 

[Mojoman]

No issues with dropped chains ona 1x9 as I see you can't get clutched RDs for 1x9.

[fanievb]

If you don't want to lose your top end and still want to be able to climb and also don't want to break the bank then you can't really go wrong with the NX Eagle.  It'll fit onto your existing freehub and give you all the range you'll need.

 

 

This  

 

 

I spent a lot of time considering the options to convert (from 2x10), even tried a 1x10 with the kalbo extender at some stage, but the comprise at both ends are just too much for my liking.

 

I eventually bit the bullet en went to a GX eagle.

 

if your budget allows, I'd without a doubt suggest an upgrade to Eagle (NX or GX) just keep in mind that you'll also need an XD driver if you go GX

 

 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

SRAM X9 or sram 1x9?

most likely early 9 speed x9 wiffout the clutch

[partydave]

No issues with dropped chains ona 1x9 as I see you can't get clutched RDs for 1x9.

 

Not a single dropped chain since doing this 2 years ago