Originally Posted by
gagepo
Like I had in my original post. The 11-36 seems to be good. The front chainring is just one. And I'm not looking into getting a front derailleur. Gotta make sure the new derauiller would work with my tern rear mech adapter etc etc.
Notice that Option 2 calls for an internally geared hub (IGH). It is not just a 1x setup with a 11-36T. A 50T chainring with a 36T cog sans an IGH will give you only a 27GI low. IOW, a 11-36T cogset with a single chainring may not give you the range you need/want.
What tires up to the punishing task of Andes touring are you taking? You're looking at Schwalbe or Continental touring tires.
Wpuld love to join you. Hit the Atacama in the North, ride to Laguna Colorada, or the Carretera Austral in the South. Depending on how far offroad you want to get, I'd consider a 26er or a 29er.