Originally Posted by
Maelochs
If the OP's wife wants to go faster .... then we can assume that at her comfortable max revs in top gear, she is not going as fast as she wants. He does not mention his own pace.
We really don't have enough information.
It's fairly common for new riders to think that a bigger gear means they'll go faster. It's fairly common for new riders to use a low cadence.
Originally Posted by
Maelochs
I think most of assume (possibly incorrectly, but I did say "assume") is that 40x11 is simply too low a gear combo to get the speed his wife wants, comfortably and consistently, on the terrain they normally ride (mostly flat.) The fact that she might only be spinning 80 rpm isn't the issue .... if that is where she is comfortable.
Do you think it's likely she's going 23.8 mph?
Originally Posted by
Maelochs
The goal here is a happy rider. She isn't racing for cash or anything. She just wants to enjoy her ride, and finds her bike to be undergeared .... as far as I can tell.
The issue might be that the OP is seeking a equipment solution for something that really isn't a problem (or one that would be better addressing with some experience). She might not be a "happy rider" if the expectations aren't realistic.