Question about Gear Ratio
02-10-09, 04:55 PM
#1
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Question about Gear Ratio
is 42T - 17T a bad combination of gearing? i recently just purchased a flip flop hub wheelset and it came with a 17t cog.
i live in SF but the route i go to don't have much hills. (give or take a few)
is this good for overall riding?
thanks!
ken
i live in SF but the route i go to don't have much hills. (give or take a few)
is this good for overall riding?
thanks!
ken
02-10-09, 05:09 PM
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02-10-09, 05:14 PM
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You might find it a bit limiting on the flats. As in you'll have to spin like a human blender to go any faster than 20mph.
But generally speaking, I think you're better off going a bit low than a bit high.
But generally speaking, I think you're better off going a bit low than a bit high.
02-10-09, 05:14 PM
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The thing is that a low gear good for climbing usually sucks for descending 
So as roadfix said you need to find a compromise that works best for you and where you ride.
So as roadfix said you need to find a compromise that works best for you and where you ride.
Last edited by aMull; 02-10-09 at 05:17 PM.
02-10-09, 06:48 PM
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Cogs are cheaper than chainrings. If the 17 is too low, get the 16. Or a 15. Keep the 17 for when you want to climb.
02-10-09, 06:48 PM
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I live in SF too, and I ride 48/17 and it's good for going up hills (took about a week of riding to get used to climbing at that ratio) but it sucks for downhills (spinning quite a bit, which I guess is alright because I ride brakeless, so it's easy to control my speed) and flats are somewhere in between good and bad (average?).
I guess I'd suggest a little higher of a ratio, but give it a week or two to figure out what you need for your riding conditions.
I guess I'd suggest a little higher of a ratio, but give it a week or two to figure out what you need for your riding conditions.
02-10-09, 06:57 PM
#10
hello
We have no idea how fit the OP is. We can suggest gear ratios but we have no idea if he's a skinny 120 pounder or a fat 250 pounder. I think the stock 42-17 is a good starter gear and he can determine which way to go after a few rides.
02-10-09, 07:03 PM
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[QUOTE=roadfix;8339993]We have no idea how fit the OP is. We can suggest gear ratios but we have no idea if he's a skinny 120 pounder or a fat 250 pounder. I think the stock 42-17 is a good starter gear and he can determine which way to go after a few rides.[/QUOTE
i would say im fairly fit, based on the index haha. with 42/17 gearing i just notice i pedal a lot.
i would say im fairly fit, based on the index haha. with 42/17 gearing i just notice i pedal a lot.
02-11-09, 03:32 PM
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I prefer 42/15 or 42/16. That is borderline granny gear, but in a hilly city it may be perfect. Like they all said, ride it until you figure it out.
