Originally Posted by rykoala
The rear is actually a 126mm, but I'm running a 7spd wheel in it right now. Soon it will match the front, a bombproof 26" with XTR hubs and Mavic A231 wheels. VERY strong.
Puzzling. Most 7-speed MTB cassette hubs are 135mm. Is yours a cassette hub or a freewheel hub? Or is it perhaps a "road" hub?
Originally Posted by rykoala
I have though about getting a 50 or 52 tooth chainring, but I have been under the impression that the narrow wheels and tires (700C's) are what really bring in the speed because of less rolling resistance. Is that note the case, as you say? Maybe I have a big misconception here.
Yes, the rolling resistance of a 700x23C tire at 110psi is probably a bit less than a 26x1.4" slick at 80psi so it would likely be a little faster. By how much? My gut feel says not a lot. Rolling resistance is not the primary resistive force. Air is. And the main reason a road bike is faster than an MTB with slicks is because the road bike has a more aerodynamic riding position.