Originally Posted by
fat_bike_nut
If your shifting works for you, and the chainline is straight, why not just stick with it?
Yeah, it's not like my shifting methods are causing me problems. I was just wondering if I was unnecessarily making things harder on myself, or if there was a mechanical advantage to using the rear derailleur more than the front.
Originally Posted by
dwr1961
Chainline shouldn't really be an issue unless you end up on the big chainring / big cog (or vice versa)... Shifting through the rear cogset allows for smaller changes in gearing - generally keeping your cadence in a narrow and efficient range. This is better for endurance and a lot easier on the knees!
OK, this is the kind of thing I was thinking of. Thanks.
Originally Posted by
coldfeet
So, what you are saying you basically use 2 ratios?
Basically, yeah. I find the middle rear cog coupled with either the inner or outer front chainring covers a large portion of my terrain and riding conditions quite well. However, I certainly do shift the rear derailleur for steep climbs and descents. I think riding single speeds for the past ten years or so has gotten me in the habit of adjusting my pedaling cadence rather than shifting.