Originally Posted by centexwoody
CC: so what difference would a compact make for this? I'm assuming that the compact double would probably be a 50/34 or thereabouts?
Or perhaps I should ask this question on the 'Dumb Questions' thread?
Or try to understand all that protoengineering discussion from another recent thread?
or if I think through my own question, then evidently the 34 combined with berts' rear cassette would have geared him down sufficiently to attempt the 13% grade?
centexwoody
You got it, Centex. A 39x23 will give him a 46inch low, a 34x23 will ease that off to a 40. For me, it takes about a 3 inch difference to really be noticable. Berts is probably a strong rider...for terrain so varied, I'd go on to couple that compact to a wider ranged cassette-- but thereby give up a greater selection of gears to use in the narrower range we ride in mostly. Most of the time, we need only a slightly lower gear for head wind, rollers, etc. Hence Berts desire for a second wheel, or wider range cassette, to use for climbing days. Mozeltov!
*Berts, I just realized I'm speaking for you...apologies.