I remember when the 12-36 first came out. Some people got all excited, like it was going to unleash their climbing prowess. The reality is that it's only one gear inch lower than a 12-34. Extra torque? I think that's shameless hype.
Originally Posted by
ThermionicScott
Be advised that Shimano doesn't recommend using the 12-36 cassette on regular road hubs due to the torque you can generate with that 36T cog:
Shimano HG61 9-Speed Cassettes.
FW6005
12-36t 29'er-specific cassettes must be used with either M529 (6-bolt) or M629 (centerlock) hubs, which are designed and manufactured specifically to withstand the extra torque load exerted by the 36t low gear
Use of the 12-36t cassettes with other hubs may result in hub-failure and may void warranty coverage
If you can put a smaller granny ring on that triple, that's what I'd do.