I really like 8-speed with half-step plus bailout. I'm using 12,13,14,16,18,21,24,28 with 28/45/48. 400% range from 26.3" to 105.1". This gives 20 out of 24 distinct gears with near-perfect steps through the range; and they're spaced best where I need them most, in the 60-90 inch range, where I have 7 distinct gears from which to choose. Most of the time I use it as a 1x8; but when I need just a little bit up or down, or run into a grey wall looming above me, I can get there, too. And the benefit is that I KNOW where the needed gear is, I don't have to guess.


I'm using Suntour XC as a rear mech and a Suntour Mountech up front with Command Shift butterfly levers in friction mode. Works really, really well.

Hi Kouletsi,
I used this setup with 9 spd Ultegra shifters, but recently have changed to Ultegra 10 spd shifters with internal deraileur cabling so I will have to purchase a new casette and chain when I convert to the low gear setup.
YannisG

Hi Kouletsi
I used this setup with 9 spd Ultegra shifters. I recently have converted to 10 spd Ultegra shifters with internal deraileur cabling so I will need to purchase a 10 spd 11-32 casette and a new 10 spd chain to use the low gear setup.
YannisG

Mt bikes now come with a 36t rear cassette, both 9 and 10 speed.

Before you go too far and spend unnecessary money, you might check to see if your current Ultegra rear derailleur will work with a larger cassette. I know the max. tooth count is suppose to be 28, but I'm currently running an 11-32 on a full 6700 Ultegra w/ compact set up and have room to spare. I don't even have the "b" screw bottomed out. It seems to really come down the the length of the hanger.

I'm doing the Death Ride this year and the thought of having a bail out gear is comforting...