Hi folks,

Thanks very much for all the helpful info and replies! As a SS newbie I really appreciate it, and please do keep them coming

Broctoon: I think you are spot on about the ratio I have on the bike at the moment being about right for a hilly city. The 42t / 17t combination does feel like quite a good balance overall. I think once I get the shorter crank length right for my body shape, it's gonna help ease some of the pain I sometimes feel in my knees. I think the problem might be less about too tough a gear ratio, and more about the 170cm cranklength putting added strain on my knees when I'm needing to peddle harder?

After a bit more research and reading I've ordered a WI DOS freewheel with the 17t/19t option for 67.4 GI (keeping 42T at the front and 17t at the back) as it is at the moment, and 60.3 GI (using 19t a the back) if I need something a little easier.

As for a 165cm crankset, I think I''ll probably go a 110BCD option as you suggested 79pmooney as it give me options further down the line for different chainrings. I think I'll start with a 42T chainring (as I have atm) and then can play around with other options in time. I'm leaning towards a Rotor Vegast crankset as I really do like the sound of the modular approach and lots of options.

Broctoon: How quick and easy is to switch your chain over with that double setup 2-speed setup? What's the process and whats needed? I'm not sure if i'll need it tbh but I'm really interested as its a really clever idea!

Thanks again folks for the all the help!