mburgess86

I'm going to be riding the Oregon coast this spring. My bike is geared at 46x17 and I have 23c tires. Im thinking about bigger tires maybe 28c but what about the gearing will this work or should I change it?

hairnet

I ride 46x18 right now and I know if I had the bike loaded with gear I'd go lower.

squeegeesunny 

go with something like 46x19~

FastJake

IMO 23s are overrated unless you're racing. I have a 28 front/25 rear on my road bike and I'm pretty happy with that. I've tried 20s, 23s, 25s, and 28s (and various MTB tires.) I don't think the wider tire will slow you down much at all, it just makes the ride less harsh and miserable on real roads.

You might be ok with that gearing. I think that depends more on your fitness level.

carleton

Most people in SSFG don't ride more than a few miles at a time. Ask here: Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling

PedallingATX

the operative modifier here being "most"

carleton

Do you have anything to offer to help the guy?

PedallingATX

negatory

Arnold Powers

There are some pretty good hills on that ride, but both times that I have done it I have met people doing it single speed. 48x18 wouldn't be too bad, you may still have to walk some of the hills but whatever, touring isn't about going fast.

renton20

idk man. It all depends on how hilly the route is and how much stuff carry. I rode a pretty hilly route this summer with 50~60 lbs of gear for a 2 week tour. There were definitely times where I used my 24x30 granny gear and was pretty thankful for it. Think hard about bringing gears. Also, 28mm tires were way more comfortable for all day rides than 23s. What kind of daily milage were you planning on? Hotels or camping? Would love to hear more details, bike tours are an amazing way to experience the country

mburgess86

Im planning on going about 50 or 60 miles a day and camping.

mxs

I rode from Tokyo to Osaka (~550km) this past June. My Bianchi Pista is geared 48-18 on 700x23c tires and I only really had difficulty going over very large hills/mountains. The bag I was carrying probably weighed in at about 5-6kg.

PHR3AK

rode my track bike two years go from seattle over portland down the 101 to sf. rode 51x19 what felt the whole way like the perfect choice.

jtgotsjets

First of all, I have no idea why you're asking about gearing. Only you know what feels good to you. The best advice I can give you is that if the terrain is varying along your route, I would consider a flip-flop hub for sure and maybe a dingle cog setup. Nothing wrong with having a few choices for gearing if you're serious about this trip.

Also, what's the deal with the guy suggesting you post in Long-Distance-Cycling? This is a Touring question, straight-up.

chas58

Well, the 28mm tires will give you a better ride, more weight carrying capability, lower rolling resistance, and a greater range of useable tire pressure.

Once you go over 50kph the smaller tire will gain an advantage with aerodynamics (I don't think that is your limiting factor though).

so, yes, touring on 23mm tires can be done, but there are a lot of disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage of 28mm is that they limit the range of adjustment for the rear hub (limiting your choice of gearing), as if you use the first half of the drop out you will likely hit the frame with the 28mm tires (obvioiusly depends on the bike though).

Enjoy the ride. Ultimately only your experience can tell you what gearing you need, based on your riding style, the weight you will carry, and the terrain you are riding.

mburgess86

How much weight did you have on your bike? and what size tires? Did you have to walk it at all?

PHR3AK

I? 23mm tires, had just the basics with me so guess around 25lbs+bike. hills there are not that bad the more south you come the more up and down it goes bad never horrible steep, so did not walk at all. think the worst hill was the one leaving portland to the west.

mburgess86

Good to know because I think thats what ill have with me. thanks!