I do prefer to keep my chainring size closer to what suspension bikes are designed around, for anti-squat reasons (+/- 2 teeth usually). Although I haven't spun out much on my 30T x 11cog setups, it does happen, and 26 is far to small for my preference.
Another factor for me is wear. Unless you're running steel, I think there's noticeably less wear on a 30 or 32 compared to 26, with better chain retention through the wear period.
Dec. 8, 2022, 9:31 a.m. - Mammal
I do prefer to keep my chainring size closer to what suspension bikes are designed around, for anti-squat reasons (+/- 2 teeth usually). Although I haven't spun out much on my 30T x 11cog setups, it does happen, and 26 is far to small for my preference. Another factor for me is wear. Unless you're running steel, I think there's noticeably less wear on a 30 or 32 compared to 26, with better chain retention through the wear period.