Originally Posted by
pastorbobnlnh
One more option for lowering the gearing further would be to replace the 42T chainring. If it is 130BCD you can find 39T a chainring as a replacement.
... or even a 38, giving you almost a full -- and noticeable -- 10 percent drop in gear ratio.
You can do everything with a 47-38 combo. that you can with a 52-42 -- just 10% less top speed and 10% easier climbing.
I just found a 128mm 46T Nervar ring for my 1959 Capo, so now I have a very nice 1.5-step 46-38 / 13-15-17-19-21-23. If I need to go lower, an easy-to-find 13-26 7-speed would be my logical next step.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069