Originally Posted by
backis
I commute about 150 km / week on a Surly Cross Check SS. I'm currently running 39/16 which feels about right, I coast on steep descents but can keep up on flats and manage climbs. May drop to 14 as my shape improves. I've noticed that my commute is faster since I ditched gears, I think mostly because I'm faster uphill. It's also much harder though, but I see it as better workout :-)
Go with a larger ring rather than a smaller cog. Running a small drivetrain leads to faster wear and tear on the components. Keep the 16 in back and go with a 44 or 45t up front and it's just about a half gear inch on either side of a 39/14 combo.
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"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
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