- Sep 30, 2009
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SRAM has made clear their disdain for the granny triple on the road bike side, but it appears that they are trying to kill the triple on the MTB side, not just for elite XC racers but for weekend warriors too. Looks like in a few months, you won't be able to purchase an X9 with a triple. Holy Crap! This is bad.
By my math, the lowest gear ratio on their new 2x10 setup is a 28/36, or a ratio of .77777. Compare this to the X9 setup on my current bike, with a lowest gear of 22/32 and a ratio of .6875. The 2x10 lowest ratio is 13.5% higher in its lowest gear, roughly equivalent to me swaping my 32 rear cog for a 28. How many weekend XC warriors would be willing to do that to save a few ounces? I am willing to bet not many.
I think this is an example of the MTB industry innovating itself to death. I think people will "upgrade" to a new bike and find that they just don't enjoy the challenge anymore, and they won't be able to put their finger on why. And if these gearings become the norm, it will ultimately discourage new entrants to the sport.
By my math, the lowest gear ratio on their new 2x10 setup is a 28/36, or a ratio of .77777. Compare this to the X9 setup on my current bike, with a lowest gear of 22/32 and a ratio of .6875. The 2x10 lowest ratio is 13.5% higher in its lowest gear, roughly equivalent to me swaping my 32 rear cog for a 28. How many weekend XC warriors would be willing to do that to save a few ounces? I am willing to bet not many.
I think this is an example of the MTB industry innovating itself to death. I think people will "upgrade" to a new bike and find that they just don't enjoy the challenge anymore, and they won't be able to put their finger on why. And if these gearings become the norm, it will ultimately discourage new entrants to the sport.