Originally Posted by
bud16415
One was that that combo gave me a very good half step pattern, and in today’s 8,9,10 speed cassettes that is somewhat uncalled for. But most saying that are running very close spaced cassettes. With the wide spaced cassettes mtn like (non mega-range) I felt there was room for half step again.
I think the half step shifting/gearing may be the answer to your question FBG. I do it alot with my Hardrock, and after I got used to it found that it made things smoother and easier to pedal. The cranks still have the stock gearing but I went to an 8 speed 11-28 cassette with trigger shifters to make it easier to fill in the gap between 4 and 5 on the 7 speed cassette as well as easier to shift. I'm not sure if what I do is considered half step gearing on not, but I do know it makes riding easier and more enjoyable.