Originally Posted by
GAtkins
All else being equal, are lower gear ratios easier to climb versus higher gear ratios?
Suppose I have two bikes set up as follows:
Bike 1
Cog/Cassette 30/27
Gear ratio = 1.1111
Roll out = 94.25 inches
Cadence = 60
Speed = 5.35 mph
Bike 2
Cog/Cassette 34/34
Gear ratio = 1.0000
Roll out = 84.82 inches
Cadence = 60
Speed = 4.82 mph
Which setup will be easier to climb with? I think it would be Bike 2, but I want to make sure I'm evaluating this correctly.
Thanks much for the help.
Glenn
I guess the chain inches makes sense if you are comparing bikes but for me i deal in the ratios only since it is what makes sense to me. you are right about which will be easier to go up hill. essentially...big chain ring/small cassette gear is easier going down hill, small chain ring/big cassette gear easier going up hill.
-scott