Originally Posted by
GamblerGORD53
You could just get a half-link. My bike has about the same GIs.
But anyway. 42/19T is a really poor choice at about 44. 60, 82 GI. 1st will wizout at 8 or 9 mph and 2nd at 16 or 17. An 18T might be OK with the gear change at 10 mph, so would be using 2nd most of the time. I go at 13 mph into the wind a lot.
I am too often in less efficient 1st gear myself, up to 14 mph. My cranks are also too short on this bike, which makes a tougher upshift.
Considering the Nexus Inter3 is 0.733:1, 1:1, 1.364:1 with 26" wheel - my current GI are 50, 68, 93; making 3rd too high for anything other than downhill or a strong tailwind. My goal is to get 3rd close to 76 GI (same as my single speed) to use for most riding. Second will be for short uphill stretches, bucking a strong head wind and most winter riding conditions; 1st for the 6 to 8 blocks of 9% grade hill I climb everyday on my commute to work and winter riding in loose snow with extreme wind chills.
I've also made several test rides with my 26" hardtail (heavier bike with suspension fork) using only the 42T chainring and moving through the 14/34 freewheel and am confident the 19T cog will be the best good compromise for my purpose.