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Gearing
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
It’s about time for a bit of TLC on my bike and my rear cassette and chain rings need replacing… I am thinking of upgrading from a non descript shimano FC-M552, which has 42x32x24 to the SLX triple with 44x32x22. As such with the smaller inner chain-ring on the SLX would it be wise to move from a 11-36 Cassette (which I have now) to a 11-34?
I’ve so far never felt that I’ve ran out of gears on the hills, but I am unsure if a two “teeth” smaller on the front will make a lot of difference…
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misread, yup, lower your largest in the rear, 24-36 = 0.667. 22-34=.647 (lower/easier), consider going to 11-32
Just check your clearance where the chain passes through the front derailleur. Your chain will be about another two mm lower. The chain may drag on the derailleur. Yes you can lower the derailleur but then you may not get clearance on the top chain ring. For the XTR M970 cranks there is a different middle chain ring when you change from 24 to 22, probably has different on ramps.
From what you said, it seems you have a 10 speed setup (24x32x42 and 11-36) so this SLX cranckset you are talking about won't play nice with your current front derailleur as ring spacing is different between Shimano 9 and 10sp.
You can still get a 10sp SLX, but it will be 24x32x42.
Thanks guys, great feedback and saved me buying the wrong one