Superfly Tweaks

[Alpinord]

While looking for better climbing on this used bike, I discovered that the original 11-34T cassette was swapped for an 11-32T.

A) How different is the 32 vs the 34 and is it worth the cost of installing an 11-34T cassette? So far, I have not found a 9-speed cassette that is larger than the 34.

B) To go for a 40 or 42 looks like it'll require converting the cassette, derailleur, chain, etc to either a 10-speed (11-36T) plus Wolf Tooth 40 or 42 plus 16T or 11-speed (10-42T).

C) Then there's the 1x11 conversion approach.

WWMD? At what point is a conversion foolish if you basically are content with your ride?

Current specs:
Frame: G2 29" co-molded monocoque carbon
Fork: Fox F80 RLC w/ 80mm travel and G2 offset
Wheels: Bontrager Race X Lite 29 disc, Tubeless ready
Tires: Bontrager Jones ACX, 29x2.2, folding, tubeless ready
Shifters: NEW Sram X.7
Front Der: Shimano XT
Rear Der: Sram X.O
Crank: Bontrager Race X Lite 44/32/22, carbon
Cassette: NEW Sram PowerGlide 950 9 spd (11T-32T)
Chain: NEW Sram 951
Saddle: Unused Bontrager Race Lite
Seatpost: Bontrager Race X Lite ACC carbon
Handlebar: Unused Bontrager Race Lite Big Sweep, 31.8mm, 12d
Stem: Unused Bontrager Race X Lite, 31.8mm, 7 degree
Headset: Cane Creek ZS-6 w/cartridge bearings, sealed
Brakes: NEW Shimano hydraulic Deore Brakes
Grips: NEW ESI chunky

Original specs:

FRAMESET
Sizes SM (15.5"), MD (17.5"), LG (19"), XL (21")
Frame Fisher G2 29" co-molded monocoque carbon
Front Suspension
Rear Shock
Fork Fox F80 RLC 29 w/air pressure, rebound,
compression, lockout, alloy steerer, 80mm travel,
G2 offset
WHEELS
Wheels Bontrager Race X Lite 29 disc, tubeless ready
(tubeless ready rim strips, valves and sealant sold
separately)
Tires Bontrager Jones ACX, 29x2.2, folding, tubeless
ready
DRIVETRAIN
Shifters SRAM X.0
Front Derailleur SRAM X.9
Rear Derailleur SRAM X.0
Crank Bontrager Race X Lite 44/32/22, carbon
Cassette SRAM PG990 11-34, 9 speed
Pedals

COMPONENTS
Saddle Bontrager Race Lite
Seat Post Bontrager Race X Lite ACC carbon
Handlebars Bontrager Race Lite Big Sweep, 31.8mm, 12d
Stem Bontrager Race X Lite, 31.8mm, 7 degree
Headset Cane Creek ZS-6 w/cartridge bearings, sealed
Brakeset Avid Juicy Ultimate, hydraulic disc, 160mm rotors
SPECIFICATIONS
Color Carbon Fiber

[geomorph]

If I could read that black on blue writing, I might attempt an answer.

[Alpinord]

Looked fine in white background and the app. I think I removed the text characteristics via the app. How's it looking now?

[geomorph]

That looks better. i think the idea of 1x11 is pretty appealing. As someone that rides single speed all the time, the less you have to think about gearing the better.

[mntlion]

for 11 speed you will need new hub/wheels too (and if you need 29, I have a set for sale)

I think what you are wanting is more range? I would look at a 39T cassette to go behind that you have (remove a 17ish tooth, add a 39ish tooth behind), and keep the 9 speed shifter, derailer, chain, and current cassette. 1 speed is REALLY nice, but not cheap to do

[Alpinord]

Extended range is the main issue.

The most economical options seem to be to simply get a 11-34, 9-speed cassette or a 10-speed cassette with a 36 to cannibalize. Any issues with spacers and a 36 cog from a 10-speed?

[mntlion]

Extended range is the main issue.

The most economical options seem to be to simply get a 11-34, 9-speed cassette or a 10-speed cassette with a 36 to cannibalize. Any issues with spacers and a 36 cog from a 10-speed?

the cassette ring width will be different by a bit and most cassettes the last 3 rings are attached. Seems better to add 39 to the 11-34 9 speed.

[stuckathuntermtn]

There was a 12-36t 9speed cassette floating around for a minute when 29ers got popular, but 10-speed wasn't quite a thing yet. Shimano made them for maybe a year or 2.
Ah, there we are. http://harriscyclery.net/product/shi...sette-3054.htm
I don't think you need their "special" hub. I think there's just something about the added torque meaning some more freehub wear.
whatever this is: http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/cs.htm
Ah, here's Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Casset.../dp/B00M50EJHI
Doesn't look like there's many left out there. Maybe buy 2 and get a chain checker.
Have fun!

[Alpinord]

There was a 12-36t 9speed cassette floating around for a minute when 29ers got popular, but 10-speed wasn't quite a thing yet. Shimano made them for maybe a year or 2.
Ah, there we are. http://harriscyclery.net/product/shi...sette-3054.htm
I don't think you need their "special" hub. I think there's just something about the added torque meaning some more freehub wear.
whatever this is: http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/cs.htm
Ah, here's Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Casset.../dp/B00M50EJHI
Doesn't look like there's many left out there. Maybe buy 2 and get a chain checker.
Have fun!

I thought this was the ticket but then eliminated this possibility because I wasn't sure on Shimano cassette compatibility with SRAM XO derailleur:

Note: Shimano recommends that this cassette is only compatible with Shimano Shadow type rear derailleurs. We've run it successfully with a basic Deore (non-shadow design) with a longer (20mm) B-tension screw all the way in. You might have to reverse it for more adjustment.

Any insights here?

[joetron]

If you're just looking for an easier gear for climbing, just get an 11-34 cassette and call it good. You've got a 22t chainring on your triple and a carbon hardtail. 22-34 should be plenty low. That 9sp 11-36 cassette was a boat anchor and the likelyhood of shitty shifting coming down off of it is high.

[jamal]

22x34 is lower than the 24x36 you find on most 2x10 29ers, and 22x32 is about the same as 24x36. Sometimes I wish I had 38/24 rings instead of 39/26 though.

Also, only having a 12t pretty much completely defeats the point of big cogs on a cassette- 11-32 is more range than 12-36. In fact, 12-36 is more like the same range you get from an 11-28 cassette. In conclusion, cassettes without an 11t are dumb.

[D(C)]

So just to give you an idea of how things compare, your 22x32 low gear is roughly equivalent to 30x42. If you went to an 11-34 cassette, your low gear would be similar to that of 28x42.

You can play around with this: http://www.bikecalc.com/gear_inches

[Alpinord]

Thanks for all the input. I was psyched about losing the high gear, so keeping the 11 and bumping to 34 is easy enough to try out for a while. Then integrating the 39 would be less of a step if I still felt the need.

Regarding understanding the ratios, which I need to read more on, it appears that the 34 is 5-6% 'more efficient' than the 32?

[radam]

Sun race makes a 9 speed 11-36 cassette. It's like $35.

[stuckathuntermtn]

I have a 30lb steel hardtail and 29" wheels always feel a gear or 2 higher to me. I run 22/36 and 11-36 2x10. If you have a lighter bike and better wheels, or you're just not slow like me 11-34 is probably fine for you. I doubt you'd need a 39t back there with a 22t up front.
I will say these meatier tires have me reaching for another gear sometimes on steep climbs, but I think a lot of that is also me needing to get in shape and lose 10lbs.

[jamal]

I have a 30lb steel hardtail and 29" wheels always feel a gear or 2 higher to me. I run 22/36 and 11-36 2x10. If you have a lighter bike and better wheels, or you're just not slow like me 11-34 is probably fine for you. I doubt you'd need a 39t back there with a 22t up front.
I will say these meatier tires have me reaching for another gear sometimes on steep climbs, but I think a lot of that is also me needing to get in shape and lose 10lbs.

Wolf tooth doesn't recommend smaller than a 24t ring with the 40t or 26t with the 42t.
22x36, 24x40, 26x42 are all nearly the same ratio, so 22x36 is about as granny as you should get.

Hey I know, put a 27.5" wheel on the back!

[Alpinord]

I ordered the Sunrace 11-36 and will give it a go. If that's not enough, I do have a 26" wheel I can throw on.

[Alpinord]

Update: Piece of cake tweak. The Sunrace 11-36 and new chain with an extra link and turned the derailleur offset screw 3 revolutions nets the missing granny gear. Thanks for the heads up!

The hub was showing a little wear, however, and may need replacement someday.