Advice for hardtail

[Dirk23]

Hi there,

Just a question so I bought a Scott scale 970 M hardtail bike last year December but only really been riding the last two months actively and loving it. I am looking to do a upgrade on the front chainring currently it has a csixx 34t on looking to upgrade to the 38t. Is there any other upgrades that you would suggest? Terrain I ride in Nelspruit is mostly gravel and tar not to much downhill action stuff if you know what I mean.

I will probably keep it for another year or so the bike is in really good condition so I have no problem to keep it a bit longer.

Thanks, 

Edited August 6, 2025 by Dirk23

[Super Sywurm]

Fork and wheels.  I would rather go for a 36T Oval chain ring, but that is more a personal upgrade. 

Frames can only take up to a certain size chain ring, just make sure you get the correct size.

[ChrisF]

@Me rida my bicycle

[117]

Good luck with that 38t chainring... they aint for sissies. And in the lowveld, you'll quickly learn to hate that 38

Run a 36 and be happier

[Scott roy]

I agree with the above comments, go for a 36t, you have to be very fit or ride where it’s pancake flat for a 38. 

[DirtyDan]

1. Bike fit - proper saddle for YOU most NB

2. Choose the right tyres - transforms the character of the bicycle

3. Wheels - caaaaaabin

[Dirk23]

12 hours ago, 117 said:

Good luck with that 38t chainring... they aint for sissies. And in the lowveld, you'll quickly learn to hate that 38

Run a 36 and be happier

Thanks buddy

 

[W@nted]

Agreed with above, especially in the lowveld I would suggest 36t or even a 34t chainring...

[JoeMerida]

Stick with the 34T What are you looking for ? "more TOP END ?"

[Me rida my bicycle]

If you are just riding gravel road a 38 could work.

Just one question : currently on your most difficult climb are you still in the middle of the cassette or closer to the 50t? 

If you still have gears to spare on your climbs a bigger chainring will be good. Maybe like the others said a 36t unless you have 3 or 4 gears left on every climb I would not jump 4t on the front. 

If you ever think of riding trails unless your name is Nino a 38 is not going to be a fun day out. 

[JohanMalan]

High cadence is best. Stick with 34. Surely big climbs in the Lowveldt.

 

[Bub Marley]

If he’s only doing gravel and tar then the 38T is the right move. If you’re doing actual mtbing with single track and steep climbs then stick with the 34T. 

[Dirk23]

On 8/7/2025 at 10:43 AM, JoeMerida said:

Stick with the 34T What are you looking for ? "more TOP END ?"

Yes just a bit more top end but I thought about it will rather stick to the 34t.

[Super Sywurm]

Anybody riding one of these?

https://www.stantonbikes.com/collections/gen-3-sale/products/switch9er-gen-3

or this?

https://www.stantonbikes.com/collections/sherpa-gen4

Edited August 12, 2025 by Super Sywurm