Lower gearing on SRAM 1x11

I have a GT Grade Alloy-X with a SRAM 1x11 setup, 40t chainring and an 11/28 cassette. I need to lower the gearing a bit. I'm thinking of just getting a 38t chainring, but I wonder if I should also get a different cassette, and if so which one--an 11-32 or 11-36. Or is just the larger cassette enough? I'd welcome any suggestions. Thanks!

I have that exact bike.  I placed an 11-36 cassette and it gave me all the range I needed.  Just be aware, you have a mid-cage der. on that bike and it cannot support the larger 42t Sram cassette.  36t is the max.  

Thanks, jmcgukin! Did the stock chain fit with the 11-36 or did you have to get a new one?

I adjusted the b screw to make it work. But technically you should get a bigger chain.

Thanks again. I guess I'll get a new chain to go with the cassette. Do you think a 114-link chain would fit? (I think it has 110 links now.)

jdd wrote:Thanks again. I guess I'll get a new chain to go with the cassette. Do you think a 114-link chain would fit? (I think it has 110 links now.)

\n \nI think you'll probably be okay with 114 on an 11-36 cassette. How tight does it look when in the biggest cog now? \n \nDepends on the chainstay length, among other things, but a brand new KMC X11SL-DLC was long enough for my 44T/11-46 setup without needing to buy a second chain for more links, and this chain, I believe, was either 116 or 118 links at most. I did have to upgrade to a long cage derailleur, which also takes up even more chain compared to your setup. \n \n-Ed

Thanks, Ed. Haven't tried it yet. I ordered a 38t chainring--should have that in a few days. Then I'll see if I need to add the larger cassette.

jdd wrote:Thanks, Ed. Haven't tried it yet. I ordered a 38t chainring--should have that in a few days. Then I'll see if I need to add the larger cassette.

\n \nHey, jdd. \n \nI actually run a 38T ring with 11-42 on my gravel touring enduroad commute adventure grinder and I do find myself occasionally spinning out on descents, despite living in a very, very flat area. I converted the bike to 1x10 so I can control my dropper post with the left lever (detentes disabled). \n \n-Ed

Ed, what do you think the sweet spot would be with the 38t chainring? The 11-32 or the 11-36 cassette?

jdd wrote:Ed, what do you think the sweet spot would be with the 38t chainring? The 11-32 or the 11-36 cassette?

\n \nHow do you like to climb? Are you a spinner or do you hammer or stand off the saddle? \n \n-Ed

I guess I'm a spinner. I live in Michigan and mainly do rail-to-trail rides.

jdd wrote:I guess I'm a spinner. I live in Michigan and mainly do rail-to-trail rides.

\n \nI'd suggest the 36, then (assuming at 38T ring). \n \n-Ed