Classic & Vintage - Show us your half-step gearing!

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I have geared two of my bikes half-step (49-46/14-26 on Capo #2, 45-42/13-26 on the Peugeot). My other bikes are all 1.5-step (50-42/14-26 on the Bianchi) or 1.5-step-plus granny (48-40-28/13-26 on the mountain bike).
At one time, I suppose primarily because of limitations in front derailleur design and rear derailleur chain windup capacity, half-step gearing was the default for racing and fast touring bikes, but today it lives on only in our little C&V world. The early 1960s Varsinentals came with 52-49/15-25 or 50-47/15-25 half-step, my 1962 Bianchi had a 52-47/13-26 half-step, and my 1971 Nishiki had a wide-range 54-47/14-34 half-step. I think Trek was still delivering half-step-plus-granny well into the 1980s.
So -- how many of you have either half-step or half-step-plus-granny on one or more of your bikes? Do you keep it just to be authentic or to accommodate balky old derailleurs, or do you genuinely enjoy it as much as I do? Has anyone else played around with third-step, e.g. the 50-47-44 / and 49-46-43 / 13-16-19-23-26 combinations I ran on two of my bikes through most of the 1980s?
bassogap
06-21-09, 07:48 PM
I've got 47/52 ans 14-28 on my Voyager SP,and I love it...the progression of gears is very orderly...
JohnDThompson
06-21-09, 08:45 PM
So -- how many of you have either half-step or half-step-plus-granny on one or more of your bikes? Do you keep it just to be authentic or to accommodate balky old derailleurs, or do you genuinely enjoy it as much as I do? Has anyone else played around with third-step, e.g. the 50-47-44 / and 49-46-43 / 13-16-19-23-26 combinations I ran on two of my bikes through most of the 1980s?
I have half-step+granny on several bikes: 50-45-28 on my loaded tourer, 47-42-26 on my commuter, and 50-45-32 on my tandem. My wife has 48-44-27 on her bike.
I keep it because I like it.
I picked up an old Peugeot U08 with a half step Stronglight crankset on it. The two chainrings are 51 and 49 respectively, the tightest double I have seen.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3648/3460003368_e37d7629d6.jpg
pastorbobnlnh
06-22-09, 03:33 AM
I never know if this counts, because I'd have to do the math and I'm not interested, or I'm too lazy. But this has worked for me here in the NH mountians (although I have intentionally avoided some hills). 47-42 chain rings with a 15-29, 5 speed freewheel on a NR RD. It's not the best set up.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p71/pastorbobnlnh/Continental/Campagnoloed%20Continental/ValentinoFDSuperRecordCrankset.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p71/pastorbobnlnh/Continental/Campagnoloed%20Continental/NuovoRecordRD.jpg
As you can see the NR does not really care to be stretched to such limits.
I'm planning to try a 6 speed Ultra freewheel, set up as 14-16-19-23-26-34 using a Eco DuoPar RD. At the same time I could change the crankset. I have new or nearly new 51, 50, 49, 48, 47, 46, 44 & 42 tooth chainrings. Also the free wheel is a Suntour perfect and I have a great supply of cogs so can build it with any gear combination from 13 to I believe a 38 or 40.
I'd love suggestions!
I've got an early 1980's Fuji touring bike with half-step + granny that I've been doing most of my randonnees this season. It works quite nicely, after some work (including a repair to the steerer tube). I have to admit that the short, steep-ish hills around here mean I tend to treat it like a wide range 12 speed most of the time. I think half-step works best on longer slopes.
Also the free wheel is a Suntour perfect and I have a great supply of cogs so can build it with any gear combination from 13 to I believe a 38 or 40.
I'd love suggestions!
The Suntour AG freewheel (5 speed) went up to 38t. Just about everything else went to 32t, not much went bigger than 34t.
Here's my Franklin Frames Bradley frame with 26/44/48 rings and 13-32 7sp FW. I use these gears because they offer me a wide range and small steps if I need them. I put this bike together in '99 or so. There's just something that about these types of gears that crossovers don't have. I really like HS+G gears:)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2436/3644287545_875be9f054_b.jpg
I've got a Rivendell Bombadil frame to build up, and frankly I'm disappointed because I can't use HS+G gears. It just can't handle a large middle ring, bummer. But, considering the 45-50mm 700c tires I'll be using, I'm probably better of with a crossover anyways . . . . but it would be nice to have the option. Any other road bike I put together in the future will have some sort of HS+G gears though.
:cheers:
cyqlist
06-22-09, 06:29 AM
My old touring bike with a hybrid "quarter step plus granny" gearing system which I built in the
early 1980's and retired in 2000:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/3242295754_4e21fbe4e5_o.jpg
Photo taken in 1983
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/2953231814_d11f55d81a.jpg
52 and 48 TA chainrings and a homemade 21 tooth granny
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/3244467910_a838bb5a65_o.jpg
18 and 21 tooth cogs on a Sturmey Archer AW hub (a half-step in itself)
And here's a 48-45-34 triple, using Stronglight middle and inner chainrings
modified to fit on a 119mm BCD Zeus crank. A smaller inner bolt was used
to allow the 34 to work with a bolt circle intended for a minimum of 36 teeth.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3230/2952360261_37e3b73db9_o.jpg
Road Fan
06-22-09, 06:38 AM
Garth and Cyglist, what are those wide range front derailleurs on your HS+G setups (sorry, QS+G as well)?
Road Fan
06-22-09, 06:43 AM
I never know if this counts, because I'd have to do the math and I'm not interested, or I'm too lazy. But this has worked for me here in the NH mountians (although I have intentionally avoided some hills). 47-42 chain rings with a 15-29, 5 speed freewheel on a NR RD. It's not the best set up.
As you can see the NR does not really care to be stretched to such limits.
I'm planning to try a 6 speed Ultra freewheel, set up as 14-16-19-23-26-34 using a Eco DuoPar RD. At the same time I could change the crankset. I have new or nearly new 51, 50, 49, 48, 47, 46, 44 & 42 tooth chainrings. Also the free wheel is a Suntour perfect and I have a great supply of cogs so can build it with any gear combination from 13 to I believe a 38 or 40.
I'd love suggestions!
Bob,
If you post or PM me your freewheel tooth counts, I can do the math; I have an Excel spreadsheet set up for it. I can also design a HS gearing for you if you want to try an optimized one, since you have a supply of chainrings and cogs. I'd like to try it, but I don't have much in spare parts. Local flippers have all the decent used bikes, and they get out at 8 am to get'em.
Same offer to the Forum!
Road Fan
cyqlist
06-22-09, 06:43 AM
Has anyone else played around with third-step, e.g. the 50-47-44 / and 49-46-43 / 13-16-19-23-26 combinations I ran on two of my bikes through most of the 1980s?
I ran a third-step for a short time in the early 1970's before I discovered the half-step-plus granny concept. 50-46-42 x 14-17-22-28-34 (half-steps at the top and bottom).
cyqlist
06-22-09, 06:50 AM
Garth and Cyglist, what are those wide range front derailleurs on your HS+G setups (sorry, QS+G as well)?
That was a Huret Challenger, CPSC version, from the early 1980's, with most of the outer cage plate sawed off.
Road Fan
06-22-09, 06:55 AM
That was a Huret Challenger, CPSC version, from the early 1980's, with most of the outer cage plate sawed off.
Thanks!
Garth and Cyglist, what are those wide range front derailleurs on your HS+G setups (sorry, QS+G as well)?
I'm using a Shimano 105 9speed FD, the model FD-5500 I believe. For those needing HS FD's , the Dura Ace, Ultegra and 105's work perfectly for HS. . . . up to the 10 speed models that is. I was conversing with a custom builder who still sells HS+G on many of his bikes, and he told me the 10 speed models don't have the cage movement anymore for the triple. I'm glad I bought a spare 105 FD in '99!
I've been meaning to try one of my Campy SR FD's on the bike, but just never get around to doing it. I think they work fine though too.
My old touring bike with a hybrid "quarter step plus granny" gearing system which I built in the early 1980's and retired in 2000:
18 and 21 tooth cogs on a Sturmey Archer AW hub (a half-step in itself)
Cool! I always wanted to do something similar by making my old 12-speed hybrid into a 24-speed: 42-40 / 14-16-18-20 on a Sturmey-Archer AW.
And here's a 48-45-34 triple, using Stronglight middle and inner chainrings
modified to fit on a 119mm BCD Zeus crank. A smaller inner bolt was used
to allow the 34 to work with a bolt circle intended for a minimum of 36 teeth.
48-45-34 is indeed a superb combination with a 2-tooth progression in back. I got mine using a standard 110/74mm BCD mountain bike crank, although I could have done it with a 110mm compact double and my extra long 3-ring stack bolts and spacers.
52 and 48 TA chainrings and a homemade 21 tooth granny
You, sir, have taken gear freaking to a whole new level. Frank Berto would be proud of you!
Bob,
If you post or PM me your freewheel tooth counts, I can do the math; I have an Excel spreadsheet set up for it. I can also design a HS gearing for you if you want to try an optimized one, since you have a supply of chainrings and cogs. I'd like to try it, but I don't have much in spare parts. Local flippers have all the decent used bikes, and they get out at 8 am to get'em.
Same offer to the Forum!
Road Fan
If anyone wants to experiment with regearing, I have some spare 144mm chainrings I'll probably never use, as well as lots of SunTour cogs. The classic half-step combinations which work out nicely include:
3-tooth drop (e.g. 49-46) / 2-tooth drop (e.g. 14-16-18-20-23)
4-tooth drop (e.g. 52-48) / 3-tooth drop (e.g. 14-16-19-22-26)
5-tooth drop (e.g. 52-47) / 3-4-tooth drop (e.g. 13-16-19-23-28)
6-tooth drop (e.g. 54-48) / 4-tooth drop (e.g. 14-18-22-28-34)
I am pleased to see so many devotees of half-step and half-step-plus-granny, even though the industry has completely abandoned us by making the new spiders so thick that the chain will ride up on the teeth of half-step rings. I tried building a 53-50-39 HSG with a 1990s Campagnolo Veloce spider and my long stackbolts, but the chain skidded too easily between the two outer rings. I settled instead for a less satisfactory but still kind of amusing 1.5-step-plus-half-step 50-42-39 setup, which I had to abandon when the left crank broke because of Campagnolo's change in its spindle diameters.
Here is my setup on a 1990 Marinoni. 46-42-28 (cool Gipiemme 144bcd triple) with 7sp 12-14-17-20-24-28-34.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3384/3650761310_f936cd185a.jpg
I like it. In the city I use the wide range cassette on the middle ring (steps aren't too big!) and the half steps are great when trying to maintain a fast pace.
Btw I was reading in Bicycle Quaterly that the racing bikes of the 50-60s didn't really use the half-step like it seems they did. Apparently they used similar front rings to maintain a good chainline on both ends of the freewheel. Well in certain cases that was the case it seems.
Cyglist: epic granny! Nice :)
cyqlist
06-22-09, 08:05 AM
You, sir, have taken gear freaking to a whole new level. Frank Berto would be proud of you!
My gearing experiments were greatly inspired by Frank Berto's various articles, and Ron Shepherd's "Low Gear Bulletin". Does anyone else here remember the latter?
My gearing experiments were greatly inspired by Frank Berto's various articles, and Ron Shepherd's "Low Gear Bulletin". Does anyone else here remember the latter?
We have two types of coffee table books in my house -- my copy of Berto, Shepard, and Henry's "The Dancing Chain" (2nd. ed.) and my artist wife's various art books.
cyqlist
06-22-09, 08:44 AM
We have two types of coffee table books in my house -- my copy of Berto, Shepard, and Henry's "The Dancing Chain" (2nd. ed.) and my artist wife's various art books.
"Shepherd" is the correct spelling. I wish I still had copies of his "Low Gear Bulletin", but I lost them somewhere along the way since they were published in the mid 1970's.
pastorbobnlnh
06-22-09, 07:23 PM
If anyone wants to experiment with regearing, I have some spare 144mm chainrings I'll probably never use, as well as lots of SunTour cogs. The classic half-step combinations which work out nicely include:
3-tooth drop (e.g. 49-46) / 2-tooth drop (e.g. 14-16-18-20-23)
4-tooth drop (e.g. 52-48) / 3-tooth drop (e.g. 14-16-19-22-26)
5-tooth drop (e.g. 52-47) / 3-4-tooth drop (e.g. 13-16-19-23-28)
6-tooth drop (e.g. 54-48) / 4-tooth drop (e.g. 14-18-22-28-34)
...
This thread inspired me to go home and build a new freewheel. My two prerequisites were that I would use a 42 small chainring on my Campagnolo Nuovo Record) and a 34 large cog on a Suntour Perfect Ultra spaced six speed freewheel body.
Here's the end result---
A 14-17-20-24-28-34 freewheel. Should I make any adjustments?
Now, how should I gear the crankset? 42-46, 42-47, or 42-49 (the chainrings in my spares), or something else?
Your wise "vintage half-step" gearing advice is appreciated! :)
politicalgeek
06-22-09, 07:46 PM
I am looking at tweaking the gearing on my bike. Old Schwinn Le Tour 10 speed. I really only use the 39 up front and find it works for the most part. I spin out on some of the down hills and need a granny on the longer hills. Would "half step and granny" be a good application here?
Any good sources, other than searching around here? (still looking through the search page)
This thread inspired me to go home and build a new freewheel. My two prerequisites were that I would use a 42 small chainring on my Campagnolo Nuovo Record) and a 34 large cog on a Suntour Perfect Ultra spaced six speed freewheel body.
Here's the end result---
A 14-17-20-24-28-34 freewheel. Should I make any adjustments?
Now, how should I gear the crankset? 42-46, 42-47, or 42-49 (the chainrings in my spares), or something else?
Your wise "vintage half-step" gearing advice is appreciated! :)
That's exactly my 7sp cassette, minus the 12T. A 42-46 should give a very good 1/2 step (9.5% vs mean step of 19.4%). The tall gear won't be super tall but it should do!
Dan Dempsey
11-23-09, 03:43 PM
It is worth noting that IRD has an excellent 6-speed freewheel for half-step gearing.
14-17-20-24-28-32
Note the 3 tooth steps at 14-17-20 and then the fours.
I am running that on my Raleigh Alyeska (1986) touring bike with a 48-44-30
...... 48 ... 44
14 92.6 84.9
17 76.2 69.9
20 64.8 59.4
24 54.0 49.5
28 46.3 42.4
32 40.5 37.1
{As a 63 year old Clydesdale .. 92.6 at 48-14 is plenty high for me on the high end.**
Living in Western Washington it is all about hills.
I also have a full-blown 24" TREK 720 (1985)
with Maxi-Car tourism 40 spoke hubs with 700C Velocity Dyads and 42-622 Marathons Supremes
Chainrings 48-44-26 and IRD 7- speed freewheel with 13-15-18-21-24-28-32
by the way those 42-622 tires are 40mm width when mounted on Dyads
which gives about 2 mm of tire clearance under the rear brake bridge.
balindamood
11-23-09, 04:54 PM
No pictures handy, but here it goes:
'72 Gitane Tour de France Commuter: 45-42 on 13-28 6-speed
'75 Dave Mouton Tourer: 50-45 on 14-32 5-speed
'75 Romix X-100 Tourer: 46-42 on 13-30 6-speed
'85 Lotus Odyssey Tourer: 45-42-26 on 13-30 7-speed
'85 Schiwnn Siera MTB Expedition/grocery getter: 48-44-24 on 14-32 6-speed
'85 Schwinn Le Tour Luxe Tourer: 50-46-30 on a 14-28 5-speed
'87 Research Dynamics Coyote Expedition: 46-44-24 on 13-32 7-speed
helicomatic
11-24-09, 11:32 AM
"Shepherd" is the correct spelling. I wish I still had copies of his "Low Gear Bulletin", but I lost them somewhere along the way since they were published in the mid 1970's.
It looks like the only copies of "The Low Gear Bulletin" Google knows about are in the National Library of Australia. I'd love to read them, but that's a pretty expensive trip to the library for me...
Bam42685
11-24-09, 12:06 PM
My old touring bike with a hybrid "quarter step plus granny" gearing system which I built in the
early 1980's and retired in 2000:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/3242295754_4e21fbe4e5_o.jpg
Photo taken in 1983
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/2953231814_d11f55d81a.jpg
52 and 48 TA chainrings and a homemade 21 tooth granny
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/3244467910_a838bb5a65_o.jpg
18 and 21 tooth cogs on a Sturmey Archer AW hub (a half-step in itself)
And here's a 48-45-34 triple, using Stronglight middle and inner chainrings
modified to fit on a 119mm BCD Zeus crank. A smaller inner bolt was used
to allow the 34 to work with a bolt circle intended for a minimum of 36 teeth.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3230/2952360261_37e3b73db9_o.jpg
Wow. This set-up is no joke. I like the homemade granny, it looks like you could climb a wall.
Bianchigirll
11-24-09, 12:23 PM
I am not sure if this really qualifies as a halfstep. I do believe since the MAX OR frame was little used that the frame atleast qualifies as Classic. the frame is a Bianchi Boarala from Europe (third hand), the crank is an old Campi triple I think Olympus IIRC with 28,42,48 chainwheels and a Nexus 8 IGH. I do not think gravity will ever allow the 28 to be of much use though as the IGH is pretty low on the 1x42 already.
jonwvara
11-24-09, 12:30 PM
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?573011-Anti-corncob-gearing-on-a-Gitane&highlight=jonwvara+gitane
www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?573011-Anti-corncob-gearing-on-a-Gitane&highlight=jonwvara+gitaneMy Gitane TdF has 45-40 chainrings and a Suntour 14-18-22-28-38 freewheel with a Duopar rear derailleur. The chainrings smooth out the big freewheel jumps pretty nicely. Not much of a high gear, but I can easily live with it--I'm a spinner, not a masher. I'm having some problems downshifting in front--when under any kind of a load, the chain wants to sit between the chainrings and spin helplessly rather than meshing with the small ring. Shifts perfectly on the stand or under no-load conditions, so it works if I anticipate those shifts, but is still a PITA. The small ring is quite worn, which may have something to do with it. I'm looking for a new 122 BCD ring. I also think that increasing the travel on the front derailleur might help, but the low-gear limit screw is already all the way out. Fortunately, I could adjust the chainline at least a mm or two to the right--which would probably be plenty--with the Phil Wood BB in installed a while back. I have the Phil Wood BB tools, but I don't have a Stronglight bottom bracket puller. If and when I buy or borrow one, I'll see if more derailleur travel solves the problem. Meanwhile, I'll accept any other suggestions.
One of my other bikes, a Lotus Unique, has a 46-42-24 front and a 14-17-20-24-28 rear. Still too low a high for the many, but I like that gearing a lot.
Bianchigirll
11-24-09, 12:37 PM
what no pics jon? I know we in this forum hate to part with our hard earned rubles but these guys atleast claim to be able to make a 122bcd ring and the prices do not seem too unreasonable
http://www.cycleunderground.com.au/chainringdesigns.htm
jonwvara
11-24-09, 12:38 PM
Anyone know why my images referenced above aren't showing up? The new "reply" button seems to take you to "quick reply." Does the non-quick reply function still exist, and if so where the heck is it?
Bianchigirll
11-24-09, 12:44 PM
attaching an image is just a bit tricky these days, as before go to 'advance reply' then in the window click on the paperclip for attachements. when the new window opens in the upper right corner is a button for add files (or something like that) another window opens, HERE IS THE TRICK! there is no text in this new window but a small button is on the bottom that is the "browse" button it takes a bit of getting used to I had to ask for help last week too
jonwvara
11-24-09, 12:53 PM
Okay, let's see if this works.
Yes, it does--here's my Gitane TdF referenced above. Thanks for the tutorial, Bianchigirll. I'm a good bike mechanic but digital ignoramus.
nlerner
11-24-09, 01:10 PM
Here's a 46/42/24 TA triple on my Ebisu.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GmYBBzTzcVQ/Svb345T7pAI/AAAAAAAAF-c/gpauVM-3zqY/s800/Ebisu_12.jpg
Neal
Barrettscv
11-24-09, 01:34 PM
1972 Schwinn Paramount that currently has a 52 & 49 Campagnolo Record crankset and a 14-26 5-speed freewheel.
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/IMG_1409.jpg
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/IMG_1410.jpg
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/IMG_1414.jpg
dudeona3V
11-24-09, 04:33 PM
Corncob 12-20 on Austro-Daimler Ultima SL running Super Record (t'wasn't easy)...
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/193/3263823625_7b2de8ba70_b.jpg
Trakhak
11-24-09, 04:46 PM
Wonder whether anyone will post a Cannondale touring bike from the one year in the mid-'80s that they came with a two-chainring half-step setup, to the no doubt near-universal puzzlement of Cannondale dealers everywhere. Cannondale gave up on that in a hurry. The product manager must have had some explaining to do.
oldpedalpusher
11-24-09, 06:14 PM
Corncob 12-20 on Austro-Daimler Ultima SL running Super Record (t'wasn't easy)...
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/193/3263823625_7b2de8ba70_b.jpg
Corncob 12-21 on an old Raleigh running Sora (t'was easy)http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b90/compost_bin/smirk.gif
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b90/compost_bin/bicycle/IMG_3124.jpg
Bianchigirll
11-24-09, 06:53 PM
Corncob 12-21 on an old Raleigh running Sora (t'was easy)http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b90/compost_bin/smirk.gif
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b90/compost_bin/bicycle/IMG_3124.jpg
but a IGH with a DA was super easy *giggle*
1972 Schwinn Paramount that currently has a 52 & 49 Campagnolo Record crankset and a 14-26 5-speed freewheel. ...
That's the infamous half-step-with-a-gap Schwinn Paramount default of that era: 52-49 / 14-16-18-23-26. They left out a much-needed 20-tooth cog, creating a horrible gap right where I need gears. That is a bike which would benefit immensely from a conversion to an ultra-6 freewheel: 52-49 / 14-16-18-20-23-26, which can be alternated with 52-44 / 14-16-18-20-23-26 for hill work. This is one of the coolest benefits of some half-step setups -- the ease with which they can be converted to 1.5-step. During the 1970s I put 50-47 / 14-16-18-20-23 on my Nishiki and in 5 minutes could convert it to 50-42 / 14-16-18-20-23 for hills. I run the same thing today on my Bianchi, with the addition of a 26T 6th cog.
mkeller234
11-24-09, 10:49 PM
I didn't even understand what half step gearing was when I picked this Raleigh up. It looks to be a half step plus granny.... with a major gap in the freewheel. I'll have to count but I think the gap is a difference of 6 or 8 teeth.
I need a better picture of the crank:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2640/4017812842_8c25c3004d_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3519/4017050799_86c5e17a39_o.jpg
Bogester
11-24-09, 11:34 PM
49/44/28 with 14-30 freewheel
http://www.flickr.com/photos/77502424@N00/3906172556/in/set-72057594068748083/
Bogester
11-24-09, 11:38 PM
Anybody know why my picture isn't showing? Driving me up a wall.
cudak888
11-24-09, 11:58 PM
53/49 with a 6-speed Shimano 600 freewheel (not geared to anything in particular - new rear wheel will be a 5-speed block):
Click for large
http://www.jaysmarine.com/paramount61_BM.jpg (http://www.jaysmarine.com/paramount61_BM.jpg)
Soon-to-be half-step on my '72 Paramount. John made a point about the stock Paramount gearing with the 49/52 - I intend to rectify it with a 14-16-18-21-24:
Click for large
http://www.jaysmarine.com/72paramount_102409_5.jpg
(http://www.jaysmarine.com/72paramount_102409_5.jpg)
-Kurt
mkeller234
11-25-09, 12:08 AM
Anybody know why my picture isn't showing? Driving me up a wall.
Here you go, looks pretty sweet:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2464/3906172556_10d65013f0_b.jpg
zzyzx_xyzzy
11-25-09, 01:13 AM
I like half step but not really on C&V bikes! Too hard to pull off double shifts with downtube levers... whacking both levers at once on STIs is much simpler. :innocent: My classic bikes tend to have crossover gearing.
Here is the gearing on my non-classic (and grimy) tourer, 24-39-42 x 11-13-15-17-20-23-26-30-34:
126650
and parts destined for my tandem, 24-42-46 x 12-14-17-20-24-29-34:
126651
nlerner
11-25-09, 06:58 AM
Old-school half-step gearing: A Williams chainset and Benelux FD on a '61 Raleigh Lenton Grand Prix:
http://web.mit.edu/nlerner/Public/Bikes/LentonGP3.jpg
Neal
Barrettscv
11-25-09, 07:17 AM
That's the infamous half-step-with-a-gap Schwinn Paramount default of that era: 52-49 / 14-16-18-23-26. They left out a much-needed 20-tooth cog, creating a horrible gap right where I need gears. That is a bike which would benefit immensely from a conversion to an ultra-6 freewheel: 52-49 / 14-16-18-20-23-26, which can be alternated with 52-44 / 14-16-18-20-23-26 for hill work. This is one of the coolest benefits of some half-step setups -- the ease with which they can be converted to 1.5-step. During the 1970s I put 50-47 / 14-16-18-20-23 on my Nishiki and in 5 minutes could convert it to 50-42 / 14-16-18-20-23 for hills. I run the same thing today on my Bianchi, with the addition of a 26T 6th cog.
I agree this gearing has issues. I'm converting the chainrings to a 48 & 45t combination this weekend. This will allow me to stay above the gap between the 18 and 23t cogs. I should be able to use the both the 48 & 45t chainring and the 14, 16, 18t cogs for the flat riding I do in Chicago. If I drop below 15 mph to climb a hill, I'll then drop down to the 23 or 26t cogs while on the 45t chainring.
I'm also considering the 13-24 IRD (13-15-17-20-24) freewheel.
Is it possible to install a 6 speed freewheel without increasing the dropout spacing?
Michael
Bianchigirll
11-25-09, 07:59 AM
WOW there are some beautiful bikes here I still don't understand whay people ride CF *giggle*
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