[crashwins]

Hey folks..Always appreciate the help I've gotten here. Thanks in advance for reading! Seems there's been some innovation since I last shopped for a drivetrain, to say the least..

So, I'm coming from a Transition Bandit. Had a 1x9 on there, 32t up front, 11-34t in the rear. I felt I needed some definitely help on the super steep stuff. Flash forward to today and I'm switching to a TransAM (wanted to get back to my hardtail roots for kicks). I'm thinking with the lighter frame 11-36t in the rear could work, especially if I have a 30t chainring in the front. Wondering what people in similar situations have done...

I'm considering grabbing the Saint M820 drivetrain (1x10 shifter/mech and crank) to upgrade over my SLX, but I don't think those cranks can accept a chainring smaller than 34t, correct? So, ideally, I'd have a setup with 34/32t in the front, 11-40t in the rear (I see there are options to replace the 17t cog with a 40t, like Hope's) or 30t in the front and 11-36 in the rear..I just want to maximize the "granny" gear feel for the climbs without
switching to a 2x9.

I could also just go 9-spd with a 12-36t in the rear and a 30t up front to give me more ease on climbs...sorry to babble on.

Thanks!!

 

[4130biker]

30/36 will probably do it for you, and if it doesn't, add a 40t! Just don't shorten your chain too much at first. 30/36 on my 26" was good 95% of the time, but ymmv.

Ps- I've done 9 spd, no clutch, it all works on narrow wide accept for super rough, then a top guide is needed. but I think that's normal, anyway.

 

[StiHacka]

The Saint RD may not have enough capacity for a 11-40T cassette. Easily fixable with OneUp RADr cage tho.

 

[crashwins]

Thanks! So, 30/36 with what up front in your opinion? And I don't think the Saint can take a 30-32t, correct, even if I were to run a 1x9 with 30-36 in the back, 30/32 in the front?

 

[4130biker]

I was referring to the lowest gear in question: 30t front, 36 rear. I'm pretty sure saint are 104 BCD four bolt, so a 30t from raceface or others should work great.

 

[HAB]

Yeah, I'd start with a 30 or 32t single ring and a 36t cassette. You can always go to a 40/42t rear later if you need it but 30-36 is already pretty low. I run a 34t ring with a 36t cassette on my AM bike most of the time.

 

[crashwins]

Great, makes total sense. I will do just that. 30t narrow-wide on my Saint crank and 11-36 in the rear - plenty of play for hills I'd think. Could I use a short cage mech, like the Saint M820? Seems like that's fine for 11-36. Thanks again for help! Much appreciated.

 

[HAB]

You can use a Saint 820 with an 11-36 but it's pushing the limits of what it can handle. You won't be able to bump to a 40 or 42 without swapping at least the derailleur cage.

 

[HAB]

I've also found that the chain retention is better with a mid cage. It kind of depends on the exact combination of frame (chain growth, chainstay length) and gearing. On my 1st gen Spitfire it worked fine with an 11-36 cassette and a 34t ring. On my Megatrail it was less good- since you can only change the chain length in 1" increments, it's a little bit of a crap shoot whether there's a chain length that'll work neatly on a given setup or not. On a hardtail it should be a little easier since you're not contending with chain growth, but it's something to think in mind.

I switched to a mid cage XTR on the Megatrail and haven't dropped a chain since.

 

[crashwins]

<Sorry, posted before I saw your second post to the Q..I see you basically answered this. I'll check out the XTR too. >

Ok. Assuming I wouldn't bump to a 40, it would make sense then...It seems 36t is the upper-limit, but I assume it's not unstable. Would what you suggest for keeping the 40t option, the Zee? Thanks!

 

[HAB]

If you want to keep your options open for a 40t, any mid cage derailleur will be fine. You don't need to go as spendy as an XTR if you don't want to- SLX or XT will be fine.

 

[crashwins]

Ok, makes perfect sense. The mid cage might be fine for me. I do see some folks using the M820 with the 11-36 and reporting awesome experiences, but I may want to keep my options open. Really appreciate it.

Any thoughts on high-end cabling? I'm afraid, despite having built several bikes, I'm totally green with drivetrain installation.

 

[HAB]

Save your money. Just get the standard Jagwire stuff or similar.

 

[crashwins]

Awesome. Will do. Thanks again