MTB Hardtail 3x10 groupset - Gearing Advise Required

[Gino Spannenberg]

I have a Merida Big Nine 900 TFS 2014 Hardtail with a 3x10 groupset... Issue I am having is chain ring selection on DH currently I am leaning towrds the larger one but then have issues when I hit incline with heavy gear really not finding the sweet spot so any advise from more experienced riders will be greatly apprecaited.

[Headshot]

11 minutes ago, Gino Spannenberg said:

I have a Merida Big Nine 900 TFS 2014 Hardtail with a 3x10 groupset... Issue I am having is chain ring selection on DH currently I am leaning towrds the larger one but then have issues when I hit incline with heavy gear really not finding the sweet spot so any advise from more experienced riders will be greatly apprecaited.

Anticipation is the name of the game in MTB. Change down - lower gear- before the incline if possible. The issue you will have with the 3x10 is the risk of chain drops when you go to the middle ring in an emergency down change or grinding gears when you try and change down at the back.

Your best bet would be to rid yourself of the 3x10 and geat a Deore or MicroShift 10 speed 1x set up. Bomb proof and with enough range  in the 11-46/8 cassette.

[Gino Spannenberg]

Thank you for the response much appreciated, now how to explain to the wife I need to change things on bike I just bought 😆

[Mook]

1 hour ago, Gino Spannenberg said:

Thank you for the response much appreciated, now how to explain to the wife I need to change things on bike I just bought 😆

Choose your fights wisely, AND never take a stick to a gunfight 💥