Originally Posted by
Boutilier68
apex 1 unofficially supports 11-46. to go lower id need to change to rival and that will do 11-50 unofficially
trying to do this on the inexpensive side but if need be a new crank is in order
That's understandable. But, to really achieve what you are trying to achieve, with your only stated criteria, "do this on the inexpensive side," you've severely limited your ability to achieve your desired end state. I simply don't see how you get lower than 23gi without some combination of a new crankset, RD, cassette, and chain, in other words a new drivetrain. Maybe someone who is more experienced at building a bike with these very low gears can help out.