Originally Posted by
westBrooklyn
I'm finding that the LBS I was at the other day takes great pride in their labor cost. $25 to put a new chain on. $10 to fix a flat (although the guy made it sound like I was getting a deal when he said, "don't worry, I won't charge you for the ones I blew") They weren't even believing me when I told them the chain was making a cranking noise after I got it fixed. (It was not making one before, maybe the chain fit it better so there was less grinding?) I spent over $400 there the other day (helmet, lock, tires, pump, under seat bag, etc...) and they still seemed to be nickle and diming me on labor costs.
Going to try a new place tomorrow. Look at their wheel selection and a new chainring.
I think my heart stopped for a minute...
Originally Posted by
westBrooklyn
What does this mean?
How do I adjust my gear ratio?
Do I have to buy a new crank or rear wheel to do this? Or is it a simple adjustment that can be done without additional purchases?
I tried to read sheldon brown's site a bit for this info, but for a beginner that site is like giving a 1st grader a calculus book and telling him to figure it out.
Gear ratio is hard to get at first but once you are used to it, then you will have no trouble understanding it.
It is basically the ratio of your rear cog to your chain ring. The ratio should be around 3:1. Each complete revolution of your crank will rotate your wheel 3 times, the higher the ratio, the faster you are and the harder you need to pedal to go to certain speed.
Try this calculator, it will tell you all the numbers you need.
http://software.bareknucklebrigade.c...it.applet.html
Gear ratio is adjusted solely by switching between cogs and chain ring, gear ratio depends how strong you are and the hills you have to climb on your commute. You should figure out what ratio you want to use before you buy your chain ring.
I'm not sure if any of that helped you with understanding gear ratio though...