Originally Posted by
SoSmellyAir
What is the drive train on your gravel bike? Have you considered smaller (e.g., 46|30) chain rings? A 2x GRX drive train may be able to run a 11-40 cassette:
Expanded Range GRX - Bike Forums
Yes, you are absolutely on point regarding road vs. gearing; one may need a different chain per wheelset.
I have a 50/34 compact up front and 11-34 in back. Yes, I’m looking into exactly what you’re suggesting for gearing, a 30-42 low gear should fit the bill for me. This does lead me to consider another bike so I’ll have different gearing for road vs gravel. And my old road bike has been pretty much relegated to the trainer, its components are tired, the wheels don’t support tubeless and the max tire it will run is 25mm. So I’ve really just got the one gravel/road bike and the two wheelsets in active duty right now. But if my local trails never exceeded 10% grade, the one bike and road style gearing would suffice.