Message #16142

[Svend]

...big rings are useless for trailriding. In fact on a 29er I am hard pressed to be spun out in 32x11. I do not have a big ring on my bike, I run a 2 rings in the front .....

I also do feel big rings are useless for anyone riding a mtb on mtb trails.

I must say I have to agree with that.  Even on a flat gravel rail trail, I could easily do without the big ring on my 29er.  Jim, when we rode last weekend, I was in my middle ring the entire time, and still had a few cogs left on the rear to up the speed if needed.  I can't remember ever riding with big ring / small cog (ie. highest gear).  I have been thinking that it might be worth ditching the big ring and putting a bash guard on.

That said, I can see 29ers being great candidates for the new 2x10 gearing.  Makes total sense to me. 

Josh, when you say you "run 2 rings in the front or one ring with a bash", does that imply you don't use a bash when you use 2 rings? Just pull the big ring off and bolt the crank back onto the middle ring?  Also, does the middle ring work on the smallest rear cog without bending the chain? I don't think I've ever tried that combo....

Cheers!