Worth considering: 42-34/12-24, 26,or 28. ... or start at 11T, if you need a little more top end.

There are tons of these available, they are standard equipment on hybrids. They share branding with the lower end bike store MTB groups (such as Acera).

Just curious - where did you find lots of hills in Toronto?

I'll check my parts bin tomorrow - if I have applicable freewheel you can have it (you'll just need to come pick it up)

MEC has some choice of square taper cranks - one example, Suntour XCC208 Crank Set (28/38/48T) 7/8 Speed - Mountain Equipment Co-op. Free Shipping Available
28/38/48 for $30 (on order at the moment)
For $9 more - Shimano for $39, Shimano Altus FC-M311 Crankset (28/38/48) 7/8 Speed - Mountain Equipment Co-op. Free Shipping Available

One thing old city residents don't realize is that the new Toronto actually raises in altitude as you head north, the highest point is Bathurst and Steeles. I'm near Warden and Sheppard, so if I head south, it's pretty much guaranteed that the northbound trip is almost entirely uphill.

If you have the right piece, PM me, and I will see what I can arrange....

Thanks

I am at Shepherd and Leslie, steepest hill I encounter here is when you go west on Shepherd or Finch from Leslie. My favorite GI for Toronto is around 76 inches - plenty to get up to speed and easy to get up almost any hill. That is on light 700c FG bike. My cross and MTB fixies and SS are geared much lower. On my road bike with gears and narrowish 700x35 semicross tires I tend to stay around 70 GI.

Anyway - I got Suntour Perfect freewheel, 6 speed, 14-32. Mechanically excellent but will require some light cleaning. My customer is at Warden and Eg and I likely will be there this Wed. PM me your address and I'll just take Shepherd instead of my regular route and will drop it off or can put it in your mailbox if you are not at home.

Both of these look interesting.... I have a job interview this week, if I get it, I definitely get that SR Suntour one ordered, it looks like it would suit an old bike better. I will still need to figure out the Norco.... I think Urbane has the fork I need, it's just coming up with the cash....

Your timing is excellent. I've just purchased and installed a new 14-34 freewheel to go with my 52x42 chain rings. 1984 Raleigh Super Course, with new Shimano front and rear derailleurs.

There IS a jump between second and first in the back, but I acclimated quickly . . . and I can now sit and pedal comfortably on the 8-10% grades in these parts. With the old 12x23 (or something like that), it was stand up on the pedals or stay home.

I also bought a 14 x 28 freewheel which I put on the Nishiki. But I think I've got it backwards. The lighter Raleigh is probably a better match for the taller freewheel. The 34-tooth will let me climb trees with the Nishiki. :-) Take care.

How about something like Velo Orange Grand Cru 50.4? Has 30-46. Just put one on the Moto with 14-28 6-speed freewheel.

There are a couple of issues, while the VO stuff is nice, it a little expensive for a bicycle that 4 years ago, was a dumpster find, that I have invested a little under $200 in, another $200+ for a crank, uh no, not when there is other stuff, I should do with it. $30 for that, $20 for new bars, another $25 for new brake levers, would be a better investment. Mind you I think the best investment would be a garage sale find that takes more modern parts.

[MENTION=60429]Wogster[/MENTION] - I hear you regarding the cost. I'd been putting it off for a year dealing with crankset & bottom bracket issues. Finally bit the bullet.

interested to hear what finally works out for you.

I used to commute from Downtown to Downsview, and I appreciated the fact that after a day at work, I had a long gradual downhill.

It is easy to find hills if you want them, just go a little farther out, Caledeon and Halton have lots.

Of course if you want a long climb, go to Dundas and climb the escarpment.

Mongol I work at Leslie and Sheppard.