Hamster wheel

Keeps on spinning...

A week or two ago SRAM announced GX group the trickled down version of the hugely successful 11 speed XX1. The GX promises to deliver coveted 11 speed, 10-42t geared drive train to the masses.

Shimano on the other hand released their big dog XTR 11 speed a year ago with option to go full electronic on shifting part (Di2). Critics and fans alike screaming "fail" on Shimano for not embracing the 1x11 trend and still sticking with front derailleur, plus XTR not cheap and well beyond the reach of most of the mountain biking public (hamster included).

Today Shimano strikes back on SRAM with the announcement of XT 11 speed group with boat load of options.

Read the press release here

The fuzz really is that with the launch of new XT group the lower tier mountain groups namely SLX, Deore will soon be sporting 11.

Shimano might not topple the king of high-end 1x11 group from SRAM but it will surely bring the fight on OEM, and general mountain biking trope.

Ernest Hamster

Bike update: Commencal EL Camino

Installed Wolf Tooth 42t giant cog on EL Camino 29 er.

Today "Mega range"

Drive train
Shimano XT M771 11-36 cassette (shiny)
Shimano ZEE M640 Shifter (again 1x10 specific)
Shimano ZEE M640 rear derailleur FR (max 11-36 cassette)
Shimano Deore 3x10 crank converted to 1x10 with Race Face NW 32t chain ring (middle ring position, stock bolts used with spacer).
Shimano XT chain with KMC 10 speed missing-link

Installation
Remove chain, remove rear wheel, remove cassette.
Remove 17t cog along with the spacer.
Install WTC GC "shimano" label facing up, install cassette on wheel, torque to spec.
Put the wheel back on bike, install chain (process easier with missing-link).

Tuning tips

Chain length crucial to get this "conversion" working properly.

B-tension screw, quarter turns for precise adjustments.

Adjust the shifting tension with the RD clutch engaged.

Had no problems with installation and tuning. The only issue encountered was unfortunate snapping of the chain on added chain link. Misplaced my additional links that came with chain so the LBS mechanic sourced some 10 speed link from another brand on his parts bin.
The Result was a badly bruised calve from pins of the pedal HULK mash!
Temporary solution until I can get a hold of a single link from XT chain is to put an additional missing link. Rode the bike yesterday with no issues on macgyver hack.
Yet to try the GC on some knee busting climbs, but for now I am satisfied with drive train setup.

READ THIS
Wolf Tooth does not recommend the use of short cage derailleur with 42t GC they have option 40t for that. I need the extra range so...42t regardless.

Play nice guys! WTC 42T cog and ZEE Shorty RD

If you are sensitive to little changes in shifting on your drive train like the gap from removed 17t cog you can opt to purchase 16t replacement from Wolf Tooth or One-up for around P800. If that does not solve your "not shifting smoothly" woes then you can yet again open your wallet to splurge on One up RADr (short cage compatible) or RAD cage arm replacement for P3000. Wolf Tooth also offers a cheaper alternative to fixing shift quality issues with the Goat link, this one not yet available locally.

For optimal 1x10 expanded range hack throw in a narrow wide chain ring up-front, if you are still dropping your chain on rough conditions consider a chain guide.

Review of Wolf Tooth GC 42t cog for Shimano soon.

Ernest "no baller for real deal?" Hamster

Guess who's back?

Won't lie had a couple of rides, bike updates and  hamster wheel that I forgot to post before hitting the beach...my bad.

Bike ride
Participated on Audax type event organized by Centurion Bike group (first week of March).

With the Siglo Siklista's A-team, yours truly and another portly Siglo member oscar we proceeded to Rizal to participate on said endeavor.

Bonked badly on the 1st checkpoint and decided to end the misery there, did the first 40 km and now had to endure 40 km trip back alone.

Ride home was interesting. Met a veteran roadie along the way that found the time not to be obsessed with Strava, instead he helped a fellow biker in need of that extra push to survive. Thank you sir.
Got to interact with some kids on Cardona waiting shed, lookout of sorts gave them snacks, talked to them about the importance of eating vegetables and staying in school.

Upon finally hitting upper parts of Rizal my water bottles are almost empty so I needed a refill. Stopped at beverage store to purchase a much needed fruit shake, parked my bike outside the establishment for couple of minutes when a shady looking dude was planning to take the bike. He was already going to grab the bike when I barged out of the store to prevent the theft and secure my property.

Crawled pretty much on remaining ride home the fun was gone but at least I have bunch of stories to tell.

Ernest "praying for a miracle" Hamster