30t down to 26t chainring cause pedalling issues? Kickback?

Currently running 30t with 12spd 10-51 cassette on a 29 115mm travel Trance. 

Considering putting on 26t with 11spd 10-42. 

No cost out of my pocket, I've got everything here. I'm missing the tighter ratios and less clunky derailleur of the 11spd.

Any theories on what the effect might be on suspension while climbing?

I ran a 26t on my 2016 Sight. At Strava pace no kick back. Puttering through slow tech there was a bit, but nothing to cry about

Ah, awesome thanks. 

I had a Rune back in the day that had horrendous pedal kickback after putting a smaller chainring on so was a bit paranoid.

I currently run a 28t on my Chromag Wideangle with no kickback whatsoever.  😉

My Process is at least somewhat sensitive to chainring size. I was looking to decrease unsprung mass at the rear wheel and figured a lighter cassette (11-42) would be a good start. 

28t ring resulted in a ton of pedal bob. 

32t ring, feels taut and agile. 

Was nice to ditch the super heavy Sun Race 11-50t cassette for a bit there.

Ran it through a gear calculator, 26x42 is taller than 30x51. Fuck it, harder climbing gear and possible pedal kickback. 

Stick with the 12spd on the 29. I'll throw that XX 11spd on the 27.5 bike. 

Thanks for the input.

Which sus design works best with a 26 tooth cr?

why not run the 30 with the 10-42 casette? that should be good for all but the most extreme climbs and gives you something to work for in spots where it's a bit of a push..

otherwise you may as well just give up now and go get an ebike ;)

Singletrack only climb.

Edit: in 30° weather.

OT, how do you like the Trance 29? I have one on the way as a do it all trail bike, to replace the various Chromags I've been on over the past 3 years. Everything I've read indicates that it rides like a 130-140 bike

Back on topic, I'm hoping it will work with the 28t oval rings that work well for me

You a Fromme guy IFO? I was thinking about that Trance while climbing up D'yer Maker and Executioner today on a Devinci Spartan. We did 2500' up and I was absolutely knackered. On a Trance I would have felt fresh. Rode 7th and Expresso on way down, easier trails I haven't ridden in years, both would have been in the Trance's wheelhouse.

If I was receiving a new Trance for riding on the North Shore I'd swap the SRAM brakes out for something at Shimano-power-level before leaving the shop. I don't know about the 130-140 claim. I'd throw a couple extra bands in the rear shock, it bottoms out with a scary thunk if you huck anything bigger at all. Set sag at 25%, (which is 11mm for Fox).

Amazing to have a short travel bike, such a snappy pedaller and neutral casual bike compared to the Reign I'm used to. Been reaching for the Trance 75% of my rides.

Thanks for the feedback; I ride primarily Eagle and Burke,  but have expanded out to the Fraser Valley a bit too. I don't often get my wheels off the ground intentionally, so huckability isn't huge on my criteria. I just wanted something to take a bit of the sting out of the hardtail (more than a 2.8" tire) and more climbing traction is never a bad thing. 

I think the gyst of the reviews was that it's more capable than a 115mm bike should be. The other bike on my radar was the new Tallboy, but being so new there have been virtually none on the used market and even then it's at minimal discount compared to new.

My Trance is coming with the DVO shock, I really like the DVO fork I've been using the past 6 months and I've also had good experiences with the Topaz on a more recent trail bike too

I'll be swapping most of my current build over. 10 speed 11-46 drivetrain with a 28t oval ring that the frame will hopefully clear. Old XTR brake levers with Deore 4 pot calipers front and maybe rear if needed

Tallboy is a better looking bike I'll grant you that. Maybe less pedally/more downhill.

Trance/ Ripley are the more efficient pedallers of the short travel choices from what I gather. IME the steeper 66°+ head angles make for a more neutral centered handling bike all around too.

Tallboy/ Ripley frame is the same price as a Trance complete though.