Road Cycling - Questions about gearing?

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geofflowery
11-24-02, 07:37 PM
I know that someone just posted on the subject, but my question is just exactly what the gearing numbers mean when someone says that they like to ride in the "42/14" gear or whatever combo they prefer. Is there anyone out there who can give me some quick pointers or even a quick crash course if you have the time. Thanks in advance.

Geoff

AndrewP
11-24-02, 09:19 PM
The 42 is the number of teeth on the chainring at the front, and the 14 is the number of teeth on the sprocket at the back. The ratio of the two numbers gives the number of rotations your back wheel will make for each rotation of your pedals. Count the teeth on the chainrings and sprocklets of your bike. The highest gear may be something like 52/12. The lowest may be around 30/28 if you have a triple chainring, or 39/26 if you have a double.
geofflowery
11-25-02, 03:04 AM
Alright, thanks a bunch. I actually had no clue at all about what those numbers meant before now. So, thanks again!

pgreene
11-25-02, 04:52 PM
real men hammer a 54/11 up hill. just a frame of reference.:D
gmason
11-26-02, 12:45 AM
54/11

The orthopedic surgeons' favorite gear choice. ;)

BTW - there is a French velo magazine named 53/11.

Cheers...Gary