Touring - touring drivetrain setup?

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mindlesswacko
06-26-08, 11:10 AM
I'm planning on modifying my Surly Crosscheck commuter for some light touring, and have a question about drivetrain gearing. I am running a 94bcd double crank on it, and don't want to change it out (impossible to find anything but external these days!).

I have been thinking about setting up the front with a 44-30 and the rear with 11-34. any thoughts on this? I will be touring around the Green Mountains in VT.

kayakboy
06-26-08, 12:28 PM
I have ridden something close to those gears around those parts, and it is very nice. Great bike, smart gearing, your set.
mindlesswacko
06-28-08, 08:17 PM
do you think 11-34 is overkill? should i stick with an 11-32?

ken cummings
06-28-08, 09:29 PM
No gear too low. Take the 34. I wish I had not smashed my old 38.
jpmartineau
06-28-08, 10:13 PM
No gear too low. Take the 34. I wish I had not smashed my old 38.

+1

I have 26/34 on my LHT and I wish I had 24/34 or 22/34. Do not underestimate your load, and as KC said, no gear is too low.
Halthane
06-30-08, 07:50 AM
+1

I have 26/34 on my LHT and I wish I had 24/34 or 22/34. Do not underestimate your load, and as KC said, no gear is too low.

Unless your racing.... My 50-12 is a bit low from time to time ;) But you said commuting and light touring... so the standard, no gear to low definitely applies.
cyccommute
06-30-08, 07:59 AM
Unless your racing.... My 50-12 is a bit low from time to time ;)

They should have said 'No low gear is too low'. A 44/11 is 108 gear inches which isn't that low but it is easy to spin out on a downhill.
nun
07-01-08, 08:50 AM
They should have said 'No low gear is too low'. A 44/11 is 108 gear inches which isn't that low but it is easy to spin out on a downhill.

Assuming you spin out at 90 rpm, in 108" gear you'd be doing 29 mph. That's plenty fast on a loaded touring bike. To be honest above 20 mph on a down hill I don't try to pedal, I just enjoy the ride.