OK, I know you might think this is odd but I just feel like asking this one, probably the most interesting one of all.
Which one would you choose?
- 46/30T crankset and 11-34T nine speed cassette (11-13-15-17-19-21-24-28-34)
small chainring: 24, 29, 34, 39, 43, 48, 54, 63, 74 gear inches
large chainring: 37, 44, 52, 60, 66, 73, 83, 96, 113 gear inches
- 48/32T crankset and 11-38T nine speed cassette (11-13-15-18-21-24-28-32-38)
small chainring: 23, 27, 31, 36, 41, 48, 58, 67, 79 gear inches
large chainring: 34, 41, 46, 54, 62, 73, 87, 100, 118 gear inches
- 50/34T crankset and 11-40T nine speed cassette (11-13-15-18-21-25-28-34-40)
small chainring: 23, 27, 33, 37, 44, 51, 61, 71, 84 gear inches
large chainring: 34, 40, 48, 54, 65, 75, 90, 104, 123 gear inches
- 48/36/26T crankset and 11-32T nine speed cassette (11-13-15-17-19-21-24-28-32)
small chainring: 22, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 47, 54, 64 gear inches
middle chainring: 30, 35, 41, 47, 51, 57, 65, 75, 89 gear inches
large chainring: 41, 47, 54, 62, 69, 77, 87, 100, 118 gear inches

deja-spam, huh? wow.

We definitely already did this once maybe it was one speed lower but seriously come up with a new topic.

Boring !!!!

again no to all of the above is the missing option

living in the past need to think 1x options (12/13 speed cassette) 2x options with 11/12/13 speed cassette

even though I run a triple (to get lower gearing on a vintage bike) it is not the way of the present or future

None of those are fast enough to not spin out on downhills on my 26" wheel Trek 6500 bike on my commute to work, so I just voted for the 50t since it is closest.

Maybe ditch your front derailleur if that's why you can't go any faster. Cheaper than fixing your rear to be able to handle 10t.

I’m slated to start a tour out west on Wednesday with my 3x9. I think that’s pretty present.

Hmmm... These drivetrain ranges makes me think this is a poorly conditioned older gent trying to gin up hills by spinning.

to clarify, I was trying to mean what manufacturers are currently offering, which is not much in 3x, especially in nicer gear....... my 3 x is a bitt cobbled 3x6, (52/42/30 Campy racing triple with matching deraillers and a 13/28 6 speed (nos Sachs) ) which gives a gear that my old legs can climb some hills on with the de rosa

have fun on the tour......out west is big... you get within 100 miles or so of San Jose let me know

there is no “ideal” drivetrain any more than there is an “ideal” shoe size - everyone’s ideal will depend on their terrain, weight, fitness level, riding style, goals, and god knows how many other parameters. I’m not sure what makes one drivetrain more “interesting” than another. With respect, this is a stupid topic 🙄

It depends. What am I trying to accomplish?

The thread title is truth in advertising.

I wonder how much Canadian Tire is paying for the market research.

Do you know the way there from western Montana?

Yawn

.

What you and I find interesting appears to be very different.

This one.

driven that a bunch of times..... trying to figure out if I will get out for the non-Cino or not and for sure will get out to bozeman to see my dad soon

I rode up a fairly tough 1100' climb yesterday in not so good shape. Went up on my 9-speed triple. 50-38-24 x 12-28. Felt like I was geared perfectly. (I didn't go all out coming down. This is the time of year of a lot of young and stupid animals. And a big male peacock that was fully aware of me but what does a bird that big with the brain the size of a pea - that is where the name comes from, isn't it? - do when descended on by an animal bigger and nearly as fast as an eagle? Not sure I want to know.)

The old steel race bike I picked up recently has that Campy Triple and a 13-26 7-speed. Yes, harder. I need to be stronger to ride it properly. But one sweet, sweet ride And converting it to a 1x would feel criminal. (The Campy triple probably came along a half to full decade after the frame was made, but it looks and feels right.)

Bozeangeles.

Well, at least you were on-topic.

Consider your role in the matter.

After spending some time on the gear calculator, I found the 48/36/26 with 11-32T cassette a lot more useful than I thought in the past. This is because there aren't huge gaps between not only the cransket chainrings but also the cassette cogs. And you could always spend most of your time on the 36T middle ring.

My pick for a 2x would be the 48/32 crankset with 11-38T cassette (although I could live with 46/30 and 11-34T).

And my pick for a 1x would be 42T and 11-46T cassette. Although I do want to complete a build with 36T cranks and 11-40T cassette I think a 42T chainring would lessen the risk of spinout going downhill. I could also live with the 40T and 11-45T combo found on the cheapest Kona Dew. It has the Shimano Essa rear derailleur which I believe is compatible with Hyperglide which I prefer anyway.

My only controversial opinion might be that I would like to see brands have at least one model with Sunrace friction shifters. I mean mechanical simplicity to me is still cool (as well as mechanical disc brakes or even V-brakes).

I am glad to hear you sorted out your ideal 3x drivetrain gearing, 2x drivetrain gearing, and were able to plug your desire for a stock friction shifting option on hybrids.


This has all been noted by the board, so consider the thread a success and know that the matter of ideal drivetrain gearing has been put to rest.