Originally Posted by
Clem von Jones
Hideously gigantic 29er wheels combined with climbing steep mountains is wreaking havoc on my drive train. I'm getting chain suck and shark fins too soon. Is there anything I can do about it? I'm already waxing my chain frequently. I suppose larger ring and cog combinations would lessen the wear. Obviously steel rings are called for. Is there anything else I can do? Are triples better than 1x? Is 8 speed better than 11 speed? Is there any consensus on ideal gearing for the steeps?
22-30-42 x 14-40 custom cassette, 9 speed
I used a 94 bcd crankset so I could run the 30t but it's too soft (6061). The 22t alloy granny is even worse.
You complain about the geo of 29” fames being all wrong, now you blame the wheelsize for your drivetrain issues. Why are you even riding it? Just get an old 26” mtb frame and wheel-set.
In the meantime, try a steel 22t ring. Aluminum ones get chewed up fast if you use them much regardless of wheel size.
Also, are you checking you chain for elongation and replacing when needed?