stork1122

Hey folks, I'm relatively new to gravel/cross riding. I moved to missouri from texas about 5 months ago and really got into it. Last month I bought a Trek Crockett 5, mostly because I found it used for a good deal and its really hard to find used bikes in my size (im 6'4''). Initially, I really loved the sram 1x system (riding on flat terrain), but I recently went on a long bike ride up and down some moderate hills (not mountains) and its definitely not as versatile as I would have hoped. The whole time I was wishing I had a few more gears in either direction. I also did the opal wapoo 52 mile loop and it was hell. I was seriously undergunned on the gears. Is there someway to change the gear setup to make my bike more versatile? I know nothing about bike building. I wish I had more experience when I bought the bike, because I probably would have just bought something different.

jideta

If your bike does indeed have a Praxis Alba crankset, you can just go to Praxis and purchase the direct mount 'spider' and a double ring set.

https://praxiscycles.com/product/dm-110bcd-spider/

https://praxiscycles.com/product/road-rings/

I'd call Praxis and explain to them what you want and I'm sure they can help you out with ring combinations etc.

Happy Feet

Well, if it's this bike: https://www.trekbikes.com/ca/en_CA/b...-disc/p/23092/ with an 11/32 cassette and 40T crank that's not a lot of gear ratio. I have a Norco with an 11/32 and a 50/32 double which is pretty standard so your gearing would be in the middle of that range, not as low or high. Kind of a poor 1x set up.

This might help if the derailer can handle it: https://www.amazon.ca/XG-1150-Speed-...65004353&psc=1

or this: https://www.amazon.ca/SunRace-Casset...50956681&psc=1

fraba

+1
A 10-42 or 11-42 cassette would do the trick. However, you have to make sure that your read derailleur can take it. You could also opt for a 2x crankset (50-34 or 46-36).

SilverRubicon

That is the first 1x drivetrain that I've encountered that does not have 1:1 gear ratio. It only has a medium cage rear derailleur so a it would need a long cage to move to a 11-42 cassette.

stork1122

Thanks for the help guys. Yes, that is the bike in question. It has a 40T crank and a 11/32 cassette. It basically sucks for doing any climbing at all. I end up running out of gears pretty quickly and wishing I had more.

So I can swap out the cassette for an 11-42? but I need a different rear derailer? Is this something I should attempt to do at home, or should I have the LBS do it for me? Thanks.

tsmorr

The medium cage Rival 1 RD only works with cassettes up to 36t, you'll need to switch to a long cage to go up to 42. Will require some adjustment, so you may want to bring it to a shop if you aren't comfortable doing that setup work.

Happy Feet

Decisions.. decisions.

To change the rear end you need a new cassette and derailer but, with a 10-46 that's a pretty big range.

If you stay with Praxis I see they only offer a 50/34 double crank. Plus you need a front derailer and shifter. Even then that continues to give a gear ratio higher than a standard 50/32 road crank with your stock cassette so you may eventually still feel like you need lower gearing for hills and want to change out the cassette. That's changing the whole drive train.

If it were me I would go for the cassette/derailer change first as it is the cheaper option. Perhaps others have a different idea.

katsup

The OP stated that he wants more gears on both ends. A larger cassette would only give him more gears for climbing. A 2x would cover both of his wants.

Elvo

Swap the front rings for a 46/30

tyrion

I'd first get a 11-36 cassette - I think that will work with your existing derailleur.

Other options are:

- get a smaller chainring
- 11-42 cassette + new rear derailleur

I wouldn't recommend a double chainring because then you need a new shifter, derailleur and new cabling.

unterhausen

my gravel bike has a 42-11 high gear and it's plenty for me. I have been riding it on the road a lot recently too. So I don't think I would work too hard on the high end, and I suspect that the 40 tooth in the back would make it a lot better. Don't forget you need a new chain

gus6464

Adding a double in the front is a much more expensive proposition because you need to buy a new shifter. Although if the bike has hydro brakes right now the old sram red 22 hydro rim shifter/caliper sets are dirt cheap. All SRAM HRD shifters are the same.

shoota 

My buddy has the same bike and experienced the same problem. He fixed it by adding an 11-42 cassette, new long cage rd, and a 42t chainring. Anything else is way more expensive.

chas58

Not in TX any more, eh?

Agreed a larger cassette and extended cage for your derailer should do the trick. Its not hard to do if you have the inclination, but your LBS will be happy to help out. Of course, you'll get bigger jumps each time you shift gears.

42x11 should get you over 30mph. an extra 10% if you go to a 10t gear.

rosefarts

40x11 is like 28-30mph on a flat road at a normal cadence. Beyond that, tuck and coast.

40x42 on 700c with 38mm tires is a great low climbing gear. Pretty capable on all but some really steep mountain bike terrain or loaded riding.

Swap the cassette and derailleur. $120 + labor.

jideta

If your only concern is climbing then the cheapest thing to do is to just swap out the chain ring for a 34 or 36.
Order from Praxis or like me, Blackspire.

https://www.blackspire.com/product/s...ect-mount-gxp/
As you can see, Blackspire has rings down to 26t, though it's probably faster to just walk.
Blackspire is little less expensive and is more blingy.

Be careful ordering the ring, the link is for non boost; not sure what you got on your bicycle.
Fairly easy to change, all you need is a 8mm hex for the cranks, and a 25 torx for the direct mount ring.
Keep every else the same, just need to adjust the chain for length.

Seriously though, don't order a 26t.