Originally Posted by
Digital_Cowboy
Yes, it's taking me longer to cover the same distances. Which is somewhat understandable going from a 27-speed to a 15-speed.
I'm running Specialized Flak Jack Fatboys rated at 100psi. Saw that Continental has some tires that are 26"x1.18" rated at up to 120psi:
Okay, dumb question how do I tell which I have?!?
I'm think that that is a big part of the difference, in going from a 27-speed bike to a 15-speed bike that the ratios are different. How does one go about figuring the ratios?
Being as I am converting it to a commuter and it will never (yes, I know about never saying never, but in this case I can say that) go off road. Other then in the grass at the local parks to avoid the iPod zombies, or the local rail-to-trails it will never be taken off road. So I do not mind changing the ratio to give me more speed.
The amount of gears doesn't matter a whole lot. The 27 to 15 speed only matters as your steps between gears are smaller, not that your top end is faster.
Your rear end only has a 5 speed freewheel? That doesn't seem right- I think the Ascent would have come out in the 6-7 speed era.
IMO- a 1.25-1.75 tire would be preferable- and I don't think I'd want a tire on a commuter up at 120psi.