Flat Bar Gravel Setup

[Trevz]

Hi All

 

I've got an itch for gravel riding lately. Ended up in Buffelsdrift this weekend for the first time, there there was some long gravel roads before getting back to singletrack. But, i honestly enjoyed the long gravel stretches. I think the previous roadie in me came out. lol. I just wish i had more than my 32t chainring to really get moving on those sections.

 

I'm definitely going to get a gravel bike at some point, just not right now with all the chaos in the world. Right now I'm grateful to just have 1 bike and be able to enjoy the scenery

 

So i want to mix up my riding by  doing some gravel rides on my hardtail MTB. I wanted to know:

 

1) what is the biggest SRAM DM chainring available? Only seen 36T here in SA, but looks like there is 42T options

2) What size tires would be best? 42C? I'd try and source a 2nd wheelset here on the hub or wherever.

 

Was initially thinking of getting the SRAM 42-28 10 speed chainrings but then thought that would be a nuisance. Fitting shifter and FD...its too much work.

 

I think i can live with swapping the wheelset and the chainring according to my riding needs.

 

Thanks

 

"Gravel bikes - what do you have and where did you buy it?" this thread really created an itch   

[CAAD4]

I bought a CSixx 38 DM chainring last week. Before you go much bigger, check frame clearance.

[Trevz]

I bought a CSixx 38 DM chainring last week. Before you go much bigger, check frame clearance.

Yes, I have been thinking of that too. Should maybe check with my LBS, see what sizes they got and see what is the maximum size it could possibly take instead of ordering anything online.

[TomR]

Frame clearance is an issue. Typically 36, 38 is the biggest you might be able to go.

 

But.. if clearance is an issue for a front chainring, look at getting an e-thirteen cassette (you’ll need an XD freehub body). They offer a 9 tooth cog, which paired with a 36 front chainring is the same as pushing a 44 front chainring with an 11 tooth cog.

[peetwindhoek]

This ^^

 

E*13’s 9-46 is what I use and at some stage the wind resistance becomes your biggest factor. My frame can only take a chainring size up to 36T and I paired it with the 9-46. I do not know what others are saying when they are “spinning out” ????

[Trevz]

This ^^

 

E*13’s 9-46 is what I use and at some stage the wind resistance becomes your biggest factor. My frame can only take a chainring size up to 36T and I paired it with the 9-46. I do not know what others are saying when they are “spinning out”

I hear you on that, but it will become too expensive. I'll have to hope a 38 can fit i think. Don't want to spend too much...might as well then put that money towards an actual gravel bike. Ultimately i need better than my current 32t for gravel riding. 38-11 is better than 32-11 so i suppose that can work until i get a gravel bike.

[CAAD4]

Mine is on a road frame, so clearance is not an issue.

[100Tours]

 

Hi All

 

I've got an itch for gravel riding lately. Ended up in Buffelsdrift this weekend for the first time, there there was some long gravel roads before getting back to singletrack. But, i honestly enjoyed the long gravel stretches. I think the previous roadie in me came out. lol. I just wish i had more than my 32t chainring to really get moving on those sections.

 

I'm definitely going to get a gravel bike at some point, just not right now with all the chaos in the world. Right now I'm grateful to just have 1 bike and be able to enjoy the scenery

 

So i want to mix up my riding by  doing some gravel rides on my hardtail MTB. I wanted to know:

 

1) what is the biggest SRAM DM chainring available? Only seen 36T here in SA, but looks like there is 42T options

2) What size tires would be best? 42C? I'd try and source a 2nd wheelset here on the hub or wherever.

 

Was initially thinking of getting the SRAM 42-28 10 speed chainrings but then thought that would be a nuisance. Fitting shifter and FD...its too much work.

 

I think i can live with swapping the wheelset and the chainring according to my riding needs.

 

Thanks

 

"Gravel bikes - what do you have and where did you buy it?" this thread really created an itch   

 

 

1. I have a 48t SRAM DM oval ring  bought online - Absolute Black. They also do a 50.

 

2. My gravel machine runs 38mm tires, but they're on the light side sometimes. 42 would be better. 700C and 29" are the same diameter wheel however, so you might get away with being able to run a 42mm tyre on your existing wheelset if the rim is not too wide/trail oriented. My current 700C gravel wheelset is 25mm wide (outside measure) which is not unusual for a narrower 29er wheel.

[Trevz]

Mine is on a road frame, so clearance is not an issue.

What frame is it? is it rim brake? If rim brake, wouldn't there be clearance issues by the calipers?

[CAAD4]

An old Axis rim brake frame that did 3 years of duty as a single speed when my son was at Varsity. Plenty Clearance, could have used a 40 tooth if I could have found one. 1x10 XT, 38 upfront and 11/36 at the back. Most parts were old used items. Absolutely fine for a dumb trainer.

 

Isn't a flat bar gravel bike called a mountain bike?

Edited July 11, 2020 by CAAD4