2x9 or 1x9 setup.

[jazclrint]

The new XX system has a 11-36 10spd cassette coming.  I was wondering if SRAM's new 2X10 system's crankset would work on my 5500.  I wonder because they talk about a better Q factor, which I take to mean narrower, and would that clear the swingarms?  I live in Maine, and there's no way I'm giving up my granny gear just yet.  The races in this state take you up down hill ski courses.  But the trails at the Orono campus are pretty flat and your in your middle all the time until you spill out onto some of the more open trails and service roads.  I was actually able to make some ground up on the young guys in club on the more open stuff by using my road experience and pushing the big ring efficiently. 

I am very tempted by the XX drivetrain, but I'm waiting for the gripshift version, which the weight weenie guys say is in development right now.

[DugB]

IRD also has some interesting, wide spacing cassettes available for a fraction of what Sram wants for the XX. However, it looks like they only go up to 34. I wonder if you could pick up one of Action Tec's 36 tooth cogs, put it at the back of the cassette with a suitable spacer between it and a 34 tooth cog (which would be on the cassette), and then omit one of the smaller cogs like #2 to achieve something like 11-36 with with a log investment.

There's also these...costy, but maybe a little cheaper than XX, and occasionally the ComCycle website has 10% off sales.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Action-Tec-9-Speed-11-36-Oversized-Titanium-Cassette_W0QQitemZ230436513830QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item35a7162826

At least if you stay away from XX you're not on the hook for new shifters...I don't know if the Ultegra 10-speed flat bar shifters will work for XX spacing...seems like they should.

Here's another cheap 12-36 9-speed option:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-SHIMANO-HG61-12-36-CASSETTE-FOR-29ER_W0QQitemZ360238967433QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item53dfea6a89

I'm thinking of doing a 1x9 setup because of a bonus Coda Magic 130bcd road crank I obtained in a package deal recently. I'd be forced to run no less than 38 up front...what are your thoughts on 38 x a 12-36 cassette for a 26" bike? Would I lose lots of granny gear power?

[shovelon]

I like that HG61 9 speed price. Would let you know if it is the hot ticket for you.

As far as adding a 36 tooth cog, it should work fine. I converted a Tioga 8 speed ti cassette to a nine speed by using thinner shims and an extra cog.

Terry

[DugB]

Thanks for the confirmation, Terry. I wont be diving on this cassette's auction so someone else please feel free. My wife and I are gearing up for a car purchase, so I wont be buying any bike parts anytime soon. Am hopefully in the process of selling one of the Way Big 856 frames to a forum member.

Anyone on the list interested in a silver, Way Big 856 frame?

[jazclrint]

Adam Craig Won a race on a 1X9 but I'm pretty sure he did it on a 36.  If your Coda crank is a standard compact 110 BCD you can get some cheap FSA rings that will fit.  A 38t 'ring seems too big too me, even with 36t cog in the back.  But I prefer a double set up.  I've read around on the CX forums, and even there a double setup seems to be more to my liking.  Personally, I'd try to mimic the 42/28 that SRAM has come up with as a starting point, but that's me.

[fyrstormer]

You could do what I did...go 2x8: