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    Gravel Cycling

    Gearing choice for racing


    Hi, kinda new to gravel racing here.

    I recently got a proper gravel race bike, a good used deal on a trek crockett. It came with a sram rival 1x 40t and 10-36t in the back.

    I live in a pretty hilly area where climbs are often very steep and short rather than long and shallow in gradient.

    So far i can get up any climb (on the road) without having to reach for the easiest gear.

    I have raced a gravel criterium recently where i maxed out on the 40-10t setup in the descends and flats.

    Now my main question is if it is better to get like a 48t chainring, an eagle gx RD and a 10-50 cassette.

    Or get a 2x setup with a 48-36 with the 10-36 cassette. Giving more top end and a 1:1 for climbing.

    On my roadbike i use a 53/39 with 11-32 and ridden up big climbs (not with ease tho…) knowing i can push a big gear ratio but not wanting to.

    Both setups would cost about the same to change parts.

    I added a picture for reference of what setup i have.

    Thanks in advance 🙂

    by SyLensCS

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    5 Comments

    1. AutoModerator on

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    2. simplejackbikes on

      Hard to say “what is better” for you.

      Are you looking for a wider gear range? Or just harder gearing within the range you have? Is weight a big consideration or no?

    3. Punemeister_general on

      Depends on terrain and ground conditions and how you like to ride, where I ride I have a mix of road and gravel and fairly flat and use a compact road chain set 50/34 up front, I have a 34 on the back which I’m fine with most of the time but on multi day bikepacking rides or longer climbs I do wish for something lower at times, but for all round use I’m happy with it 99.9% of my riding

    4. Cook_New on

      Chainrings are relatively cheap and easy to install, so maybe start with a 44, then 48, and see if the hills are still manageable.

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