4 ms·

I still miss having a big ring for the times I want to ride to the trail. A 39 up front and a 11-12 out back just isn't fast enough for that kind of thing. Ther

I still miss having a big ring for the times I want to ride to the trail. A 39 up front and a 11-12 out back just isn't fast enough for that kind of thing. There are a good many trails where having a big ring makes sense too. The current hot setup is too focused on the lower end of the range and totally gave up the high end. I recently bought a 105 level road bike with wide tire clearances and stuck the largest gravel tire I could fit on there and use that in place of my MTB for riding the gravel paths around town. It's nice to be going fast again. MTB manufacturers listen up - make frame clearances support larger than a 39 tooth ring up front. People like me will thank you. Also - back in the 3 ring / 10 speed days I was riding full XT and chain drops were a similar non-issue then too.

exabrial 4y ago
39 up front??? How fast are you going man
- SavageBeast 4y ago
  Im a Texan and its relatively flat here. We have some undulations and rises but not too many real climbs here. A 39 is the max the average Santa Cruz supports - Im running a mere 36 on my Salsa Timberjack because one more tooth and I got a frame grinder. It's adequate but if you're out on a ride with an equally fit friend with a 39 you just get smoked. Now knowing that 700c roadie wheels and 29" MTB wheels are the same circumference ... riding a roadie on gravel with a 48 up front and a 11 out back is comparatively fucking fast!!! Im not going to take any "real trails" on the thing but as the gravel path around the lake goes - fitness rides etc - it hauls ass like my old MTBs that had the similar gearing. I really miss it to be honest.