Originally Posted by
Tourist in MSN
I have been using my LHT with a 52/42/24 since I built it up several years ago. (Cassette is a Sram 11/32 eight speed.) I was happy enough with it that that when I built up my Thorn a couple years ago, I set that up with the equipment.
The upshift from the 24 to 42 is a bit slow but I can almost always make that shift over a distance of 30 to 50 feet. Downshifting from the 42 to 24 is smooth, but you should have a chain catcher/watcher to avoid dropping the chain. Need friction shifter for the front. I use a vintage Suntour front derailleur.
Why do I like this setup? I like the 42 as a middle ring, it gives me a nice range for most riding. But for those steep hills you find on occasion, I need the 24t. I only use the 24 when I need it which is rare so I do not make that shift very often.
If you are happy with a 42, that is of course fine for you, but having used the 50-40-24 for so long, I would absolutely go with a 36 middle ring crank for my next touring bike, as I find it more flexible when you have stuff on the bike. Depends on the terrain you ride in (as you say, you rarely shift into the 24, around here I am on hills a lot, even unloaded a 42 would be too tall) and also what kind of cadences you prefer, my knees dont like mashing.
Your point about a chain catcher is a good one, they are available for $5 or something, easy to put on and very effective.
and OP, John, yes newer 8 and 9 speed bikes are nice in that the gears are a bit closer between each shift, but I did a lot of touring on my 7 speed and had a great time, so the important thing is to get your low gears lower. As you say, walking up hills sucks big time (even more so when the bike is loaded), been there/done that--get lower gearing with either the 34 freewheel and/or smaller granny and you will enjoy whatever travelling you do do so much more.
If you really like touring and want to do more, it is always possible in the future to find a more modern used touring bike.
cheers