How to get slower gearing on a 1x10 drivetrain Looking at purchasing a new bike with a 1x10 gearing setup.  I am concerned that with my current or future level of fitness, I may need slower gearing on the bike.  

What is the easiest (and cheapest) way to get easier gearing on the bike?  Options:


Change the crankset
Change the chainring
Change the casset


This is the bike in question:
I recently looked at my 3x10 setup, with the view of going 1x. I decided to stay 3x10 as the 1x10 is a can of worms. The only other practical option was to convert the whole lot to 1x11. With 32->11-36, on the flat 32-11 I spin out a little, but am not strong enough to push 32-36 up the local hills.  

What to do will significantly be dictated by the specs and components already installed on the bike in question (In this case Shimano), but ultimately, 1x10 is never going to make a great bike for less strong riders. The 10x (from Shimano, and I also think SRAM, some correct me if i am wrong) is not made for larger than 36 tooth rear cluster. The 11-36 range is not enough for many riders in hilly terrain. 

Lower gearing comes from a bigger rear cog, smaller chain ring or smaller wheels. In this case, you are looking at 27.5", smaller wheels are not going to make any real difference.  

You can extend max cog size of the standard Shimano 10x derailleurs (Not sure about the M610 - I think it has to be the XT derailleur)  - e.g. 'goat link' and 'radcage', and buy cassettes (sunrace) or expansion cogs to take you 10X to 42 or 46 teeth. Ultimately is not what I would choose to do on a new bike as they are all various degrees of a hack with various degrees of success.   

This leaves a chainring. This bike comes with 30 - you may be able to go down to 26 with direct mount cranks, but I looks like this comes with 104bcd meaning 30 is as small as you can go without a new crank set. You don't want to small unless you don't mind going slow, or know how to spin... 28/11 is a fairly low top gear.  

Ultimately I suggest if you have any doubts that go to a 2x10 or a 1x11 (Shimano has recently announced a SLX 1x11).