So I'm thinking about going from 24x38 to a 22x36 on the front rings. To make the climbs a little less draining. Has anyone gone to a 22x36? Success? Likes/dislikes?
Thanks!

I went from a 22-32-42 to an SLX 22/36 for about eight months. I liked it. I had a more usable gear range for my type of riding. With that said, I am now running a RF NW 32 ring up-front for simplicity, and it works for my local trails.

Thanks!

I had a 22-32-42 on my old bike but on my new Kona 29er, I went to a single 32 Wolftooth on the front with a 12-36 10 spd. cassette. I love the 1 x 10--quieter, simpler. The 32 works great for me and my terrain, others might like a 30 to help with climbing. (SRAM's 1 x 11 was too pricey for me and I didn't need the 42)

I've considered a single upfront, but not convinced its right for the terrain here. I should try it though.

If you try a single up front get a narrow wide run either the 32 tooth or the 30 tooth from race face or wolfstooth and go with a cassette that is at least 11/36.

Where do you mostly ride, the Santa Monicas? That's similar to what I ride in OC (steep 1/2 to 1 mile climbs in my smaller parks and mod to steep 1-8 mile climbs in the Santa Ana range). I demo'd one first and that's what sold me, you should too. Something funny about my demo…I thought the bike was SRAM 1 x 11 with a 42. I was climbing in a race and was saying to myself "I'm glad I have that 42 as a bailout!" I shifted into the last cog and enjoyed the ease it offered. After the race, I told the bike's owner how I really liked the 42. It was then he told me it was only 1 x 10 and that he only had a SRAM crankset. It was a Shimano with a 36 as the lowest--total placebo effect, lol. Now, it did take me a little bit to build my fitness with that set up but I really like it--no chain suck, not wondering if I should stay in which chainring, etc.

Two teeth in front is a pretty modest difference for a decent investment.

Check out a gear chart to see the difference.

Can u go bigger in back?

I ride San Francisco Bay Area-Monterey/Santa Cruz trails. The trails nearest to me are at Henry Coe Park and it gets steep out there. That's an interesting thought....The only thing is, I'm getting old! I don't know that I can hang with the single upfront. What were you running up front with the 36 in the back?

Well, my Trance X 29er is supposedly set-up to run a 1x so I would imagine I could run a 42 in the rear...

So, can you do the steep climbs ok at Henry Coe with your current gearing? If you can't then yes going to the 22-36 may help you. I don't think you can go with a 42 in the back (which is sram 11 speed) with out a cassette hub change. The hub change and 11 speed cassette will be MaJor Dollars. With your present chain rings, it wouldn't be too much cost to try out the 22-36 setup, as they use the same crank spider bolt pattern that you are using now. I'm 57 and have 1 bike set up with the 22-36 for those steep day rides and also have a bike with the 24-38 and also 1 with 26-39. If I'm in good shape, I could still push the 26-39 in most riding conditions.

Mike

If you want a 42, you can get a 42 cog from Wolf Tooth or OneUp for a 10 spd cassette and not have to buy XX1. You ditch the 17 in exchange for it. BTW, I'm 54 and am fine with a 32 x 11-36. You can always get a 30 or smaller… I know it's a concern to not have a little ring to drop into--I had to get over it. But like another posted, check a gear chart and see if a 1X combo will cover you.

PS when I saw you were from South Bay, I thought SB of LA, hence the Santa Monicas mention.

Well i went with 22/36...definitely more range. It is taking a bit of getting used to, more so than I thought it would. Cadence uphill is improved, but I can't say I'm convinced that this will be my final gearing mod. I appreciate all the suggestions!

at this moment I am content with my 3x8 setup.
42-32-20t chainrings. 11-34 sprockets
the 42 very rarely used. will replace with a bashguard soon.
the 20t was installed not so long ago, replacing the stock 22t.

(yes I am weak. so I need the low gear 20/34. :-P )