sd5782 

Perhaps folks who play with gearing charts can chime in on this. I am 62 and ride in flat NW Ohio. Nearly all riding is between 10-20mph depending on wind and the very occasional minor short hill or overpass. I find it rewarding to get that perfect gear. After playing with a recently acquired Frejus with half step gearing, I would like to do this with a recent purchase of a 1983 Trek 700. The freewheel that came on this bike was a non stock 13-22t 6 speed.

I purchased a 7 speed 14,16,18,20,22,24,28. Moved a spacer to drive side and will take wheel to shop to see about re-dishing it. This model Trek has the Superbe group, so crank is 144bdc 42-52. I have 32mm Pasela Gravel Kings mounted. They came out to be about exactly 27" diameter which works out to the numbers shown on attached chart on BikeCalc for a 32mm tire. I am kinda new to this, so not too familiar with playing with other calculators.

The 144bdc only allows a 42T small sprocket, so I am looking to replace the 52 which I almost never use on any of my bikes except for a gear or two. My limited exposure to half step gearing would show a 3 tooth difference. The attached chart seems to show a 44T sprocket being a much better half step than the 45T. Advise and educate me please.

I believe in this bdc size the 44 would perhaps have been an inner. Can this be purchased and flipped and used as an outer, or am I crazy. Remember, max speed is 25mph for 100 yards down the rare overpass or short hill. The other option is a 48 which gets a couple intermediate gears. Most riding depending on wind is in the 45-65 inch range.

Thanks
Steve