Utility Cycling - question regarding crank selection and gearing for Big Dummy setup

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leeinmemphis
08-27-12, 12:24 PM
Hey everyone,

I have a Big Dummy frame on the way and have a donor bike with xtr shifters/brakes that I am planning on using. I am going to go ahead and install a new headset and bottom bracket but am not sure what length cranks I should put on the bike? I have some cheap no name cranks on my donor bike now and am thinking about going ahead and upgrading them at the same time as the bottom bracket. The other question is what chain rings is most everyone running up front? Would you guys suggest I re-use my mtb geared front sprockets or should I change to something a little lower geared? Any info is greatly appreciated.

westyat7000
08-27-12, 03:36 PM
175
22, 32, 44 Works great for me.
Almost never use 22. Use 44 while rolling down hill/down wind. Most of the time, 32 is all I need.
salek
09-02-12, 08:24 PM
I like the torque value of the 22. When the stoplight goes green, with a 22 I can get a pretty good load moving quickly and we have some rather short lights around town. Unloaded, I can out accelerate most drivers. We don't have much in the way of hills in the Dallas area. However, touring Arkansas, my touring rig is pulling 19 chain inches for the Ouchitas or the Ozarks. Remember, torque is power. You either get it from gears or from your legs. You pick. Having sore legs from a climb or a load is avoidable.