On my first gravel race I discovered that 40/42T as my lowest gear wasn't nearly sufficient for the hills and climbs I was on. After doing some reading and watching, I moved on an upgrade to my drive train. I've now had installed a Wolftooth 38T front gear ring and an Shimano XT 11-46T cassette. What a difference in climbs now!
I also swapped the jockey wheel cage for Shimano XT RD-M8000 SGS. I think the longer cage length really stabilizes the shifting across the range. One consequence though is the longer cage does offer a greater chance for strikes on it. Cost/benefit, I guess.
Huge shoutout to my LBS!
by Velocybirr
3 Comments
Do you feel like you suffer on flats/descents with a max 38/11 high gear?
Garbaruk makes a pulley compatible with grx I put on my diverge and could then fit a 10-51
I made a very similar change to my 2019 diverge. Made a world of difference