Something for nothing?
02-04-09, 09:28 PM
#1
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Something for nothing?
My bike is finally set up right! So it's time to tinker.
Bike: 2009 Downtube Mini with stock Sturmey-Archer 8sp IGH.
I've read in this thread that changing out my 25T rear sprocket for a 23T rear sprocket will let me go faster.
My usual commute is very flat. I use gears 4, 5,or 6 depending on the headwind and how tired I am. I am not yet strong enough to make much use of gears 7 or 8. Is there any point to changing out the sprocket, when I am not currently making use of the top 2 gears?
Thanks!
Bike: 2009 Downtube Mini with stock Sturmey-Archer 8sp IGH.
I've read in this thread that changing out my 25T rear sprocket for a 23T rear sprocket will let me go faster.
My usual commute is very flat. I use gears 4, 5,or 6 depending on the headwind and how tired I am. I am not yet strong enough to make much use of gears 7 or 8. Is there any point to changing out the sprocket, when I am not currently making use of the top 2 gears?
Thanks!
02-04-09, 09:50 PM
#2
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i believe the answer to your question is self evident...
should you not instead consider a larger cog?
or better yet, just leave it as is! sounds like it is just right!
should you not instead consider a larger cog?
or better yet, just leave it as is! sounds like it is just right!
02-04-09, 11:22 PM
#3
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I would agree with ChiapasFixed, wait until that 8th gear is spinning out to consider a smaller rear sprocket.
Last edited by Abneycat; 02-05-09 at 12:33 AM.
02-05-09, 12:18 AM
#5
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The suspension mod is truly amazing!
I hope you realize that if you do change from a 23 tooth to a 25 tooth you gain a higher gear but lose your lowest gear.
The Downtube Mini is really a great bike and I have never felt the need to change it's gears. I have done other mods, but I think the stock gear ratios are pretty nice.
I hope you realize that if you do change from a 23 tooth to a 25 tooth you gain a higher gear but lose your lowest gear.
The Downtube Mini is really a great bike and I have never felt the need to change it's gears. I have done other mods, but I think the stock gear ratios are pretty nice.
02-05-09, 08:20 AM
#6
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My mini came with the 23T cog; I wonder why they changed that.
02-05-09, 08:34 AM
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02-05-09, 09:05 AM
#8
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I imagine it's a marketing question; people have this idea that small wheels means a slower bike, and this is compounded by the ridiculously low gearing of many super-cheap Chinese folding bikes such as the Kent ultracheap folder discussed here a couple years ago and still ridden by some valiant forum members. Furthermore, as relatively cheap bikes, the Downtubes attract relatively inexperienced riders who tend to be mashers rather than spinners. So it all adds up.
Still, the stock gearing of my mini, with 48T / 23T Sturmey Archer XRF8 suits me perfectly; it would seem strange to change that.
02-05-09, 01:22 PM
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Thanks folks. No sprocket change for me, then. Maybe I'll just renumber my gears so they go to eleven. That and do the suspension mod.
02-05-09, 01:27 PM
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Thanks folks. No sprocket change for me, then. Maybe I'll just renumber my gears so they go to eleven. That and do the suspension mod.
