Originally Posted by
scozim
I'm working on my touring conversion (1987 mtb as the subject) and trying to figure out the best gearing set up. I'm 45 and fairly strong but have never ridden a loaded bike.
The bike has an original 14-28 5 spd freewheel that I'll eventually update to 6 or 7 spd. The original crankset is was a 48-42-28. I was originally going to go with a 48-36-26. Using rings that I have on hand (i.e. low budget build) I changed my mind and set it up tonight with a 42-36-26. Based on gear inches from Sheldon's site the high is 78 and the low is 24. Does this seem appropriate for light to moderate weight touring? I don't have a lot of experience with gearing for that type of riding and I'm sure much is dependent on the route and weight of the bike/gear/rider and rider strength.
I'll have photos in the next couple of weeks as I'm waiting for some final parts to finish the conversion/build.
Survey the places you intend to ride and look at your load you will be carrying then you might need to get a larger gear set on the cassette. If you are going to see a lot of climbing you really can't have too low a gear. If you are going to be on rolling and flat stretches with a light to medium load sounds like you are in good shape. I know that Harris cyclery has a gear that goes to 34 with an extreme jump from the next lowest. That will give you a compound low in emergency situations. Also, check the rear spacing...if it is 135 then you could go for a new wheel and put an 11-34 cassette. This would require a MTB RD, longer chain, and new 9 spd shifter. Decide on what you are going to do first.
Last summer I spent in the Alps with some incredible climbs including the Stelvio and believe me you couldn't have too low a gear. Good luck and have fun.