Forum

Hi all, done my research just need to check it's going to work before I commit.

I currently have Specialized Camber running 2x10 with a 11-36 rear cassette, SRAM X9

I want to fit a Sunrace MS3 10 speed 12-42 cassette, will this work with my current rear derailleur or will I encounter problems? Will
I need a new chain if I'm fitting a new cassette?

I could go 11-40 but the 11-42 works out better when I do the maths/ratios.

Thanks, Jay

No direct experience with Sunrace BUT here's my thoughts on drivetrains...

1 - New cassette = new chain
2 - The spring in the X9 is strong and should be enough to keep the chain tight
3 - They will say you would ideally need a short or medium length rear mech, in my experience this isn't needed

What I would say is VWSurfbum is running a Praxis 11-40 I think with SRAM XO as a 1 x 10 and has no problems.

I'd also expect to see you change your front chainrings to a single narrow/wide chainring - this is normally a 30t to a 34t depending on how strong you feel your legs are - most from what I see are either 30t or 32t. As your subject is "1 x help please" I'd have expected you to mention the front chainring as well

For me something like a 32t Narrow/Wide Chainring coupled with the Sunrace MS3 and a new chain (personally a KMC ultralight works for me) would work spot on and the Sunrace cassette being £40 makes the 1 x 10 conversion dead cheap - especially considering the Praxis cassette it over double that!

I will be running a 32T NW chain ring, that's the simple but that just bolts on, I can handle that bit! I use my bike for long XC sometimes so want to maintain a semi decent low gear aswell as a high gear for trail centre hence going for the 11-42 and try to eek out as much range as possible, thanks for you input

Do you mean a long or medium cage is recommended as I thought short cages were not recommended?? Think I have medium cage, definitely not a short cage.

You'll want a Medium cage so it will go the full range without too much issue.

that sunrace cassette has certainly got my attention, as Stumpie will tell you i sometimes wish i had that tiny bit extra. And my Praxis cassette is now showing signs of wear so will need replacing (when the dry weather is more permanent)

Been running the praxis 11-40 cassette for a while and a oneup 42T big ring with a normal cassette for a while now on my two bikes, i would say 11-40 is better on a full sus frame than 11-42 just because of building in a bit of slack for the chain and derailleur when the bikes bobbing up and down (chain growth). I still run an upper chain guide with a NW chain ring to make sure i don't every drop a chain. PS i always use a medium derailleur as well

Cheers Matt, what size chain ring do you use with both???

Both run 34T (26" 160mm trail bike and 29er trail hardtail), but i am fit and like a challenge. Would recommend an oval chain ring as it makes the pedal stroke smoother and easier