9-46t cassette and 36t chainring re-gearing

I just can’t stop tinkering with this bike. Only components from the oem build: shifter/brakes, derailleur, and seat post.

This round I changed out the cranks, gearing, and bars; I like 175s and have them on the rest of my bikes. Went to mid grade force from apex. They are shiny and a bit lighter.

I swapped out a 40t ring to a 36mm oval with 6mm chain line from Alugear. I wanted to try oval and so far I can’t really tell any difference. Though I didn’t do any tough efforts, just a quick 5 mile test ride.

The cassette I changed to a e13 9-46t. Shifting is fine. I think Sram cassette has marginally better shifting. It works fine with the XPLR apex derailleur. I set up the b screw same as one sets up the 7mm gap for a 44t sram cassette. The chain I sized down one link due to a smaller front ring.

Last was the ritchey wcs venture bars. Wanted to try a different shape. Weight a smidge less than the stock bars, but the flares are a bit wider and more comfortable. With the stock bontrager bars I just couldn’t find a good angle to not have wrist pain. Out of the box, these feel better.

Going to try some climbs that I struggled with before. Probably swap to an eagle drive train in the new year anyways. Just want to tinker more 🙂