Originally Posted by
bfoss
So, I got a Globe Roll 1. Love it. Super simple, hard to steal parts, low maintenance. Its a single speed with a 42t chain ring up front, and a 17t rear. Problem is, there is this mile long mankiller of a hill on my way back home. Is it possible to gear it a little better for my environment? I live sort of in the foothills, where nothing is really flat. The bike is great for all of my commuting needs, except the mankiller. And no, I don't want to buy a bike with a derailleur.
Tough it out. The killer hill will become tame w/repeated climbing. Unless it's like an 18-20% grade 42/17 is plenty low. One consideration is getting a Schlumpf dual gear bottom bracket, but they're pricey
http://www.schlumpf.ch/sd_engl_technische_daten.htm