46x18 now, would like easier acceleration
08-18-11, 01:38 PM
#1
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46x18 now, would like easier acceleration
My Madison came stock with 46x18 gearing, and it is fine once I am moving, but from a stop or a slow cadence I am getting some knee pain. I would like something that is easier on my knees for accelerating. I was thinking up buying a 19t or 20t, as I don't mind spinning, but accelerating take too much on my knees currently.
Gear Inches
Current:67.2
With new cog
19t:63.6
20t:60.4
I know this is a total noob post as I am a noob, and just want those with more info to weigh their opinion
Gear Inches
Current:67.2
With new cog
19t:63.6
20t:60.4
I know this is a total noob post as I am a noob, and just want those with more info to weigh their opinion
08-18-11, 01:59 PM
#2
You gonna eat that?
Knee problems are funny. Yeah, maybe lower gearing will help, but you also may want to look at bicycle fit and seat position. Try raising your seat a quarter inch and see how your knees feel. Or if your legs are already fully extended while pedaling, maybe the seat is too high. 46-18 is what I'm running right now myself. I can't imagine going lower, but I tend to mash a bit.
Before trying new gearing, move the seat around a bit and see if that helps.
Before trying new gearing, move the seat around a bit and see if that helps.
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08-18-11, 02:00 PM
#3
:)
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Just buy a new cog and try it out, they are cheap and good to have in your parts bin.
08-18-11, 02:03 PM
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How is the fit on your bicycle? Some knee problems can be attributed to bad fit as well. Try to check saddle height, fore and aft, as well as bar height. Warm ups and stretching pre/post ride helps too!
Gearing depends on your fitness level too, if you think that a higher number tooth cog could help you, then go for it. I personally run a 46x16. It was hard at first, but I kept getting better the more I ride my bike. I can now climb not-so-steep hills with it! Generally, higher cog counts help in accelerating. I hope you dont encounter steep downhills coz you are truly gonna be spinning a lot.
Goodluck!
Gearing depends on your fitness level too, if you think that a higher number tooth cog could help you, then go for it. I personally run a 46x16. It was hard at first, but I kept getting better the more I ride my bike. I can now climb not-so-steep hills with it! Generally, higher cog counts help in accelerating. I hope you dont encounter steep downhills coz you are truly gonna be spinning a lot.
Goodluck!
08-18-11, 02:24 PM
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08-18-11, 03:11 PM
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If you can't spin a 46/18 without pain, you probably need to look into your fit. Check out the fit calculator at competitivecyclist.com
08-19-11, 08:06 AM
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Stand while at a stop.
08-19-11, 08:21 AM
#10
Your cog is slipping.
Stop while standing.
08-19-11, 08:26 AM
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Stop standing.
08-19-11, 08:41 AM
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Remove seat.
Always standing.
Always fitting properly.
Always standing.
Always fitting properly.
08-19-11, 11:21 AM
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Oh god I'm cracking up!
Pain with 46/18?? That's so low, sounds like a fit issue
Pain with 46/18?? That's so low, sounds like a fit issue
08-19-11, 02:07 PM
#18
:)
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08-19-11, 06:24 PM
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Yeah I ride 42-17 daily I love it for lots of reasons. I know my cadence vs speed just using a simple speedo...25rpm per 5mph and I can maintain 20mph throughout most of my normal riding. Of course anything over 30mph pretty much means my legs are going for a ride but even that is fun
08-19-11, 06:32 PM
#20
Your cog is slipping.
08-19-11, 08:13 PM
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08-20-11, 02:56 AM
#22
Brown Bear, Sqrl Hunter
They say to take it easy on pre-ride stretching. If anything, warm up then stretch.
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO
08-20-11, 03:20 AM
#23
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They say to take it easy on pre-ride stretching. If anything, warm up then stretch.
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO
08-20-11, 10:12 AM
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They say to take it easy on pre-ride stretching. If anything, warm up then stretch.
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO
08-20-11, 10:17 AM
#25
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+1! Don't hyperextend your knees until you're warmed up. I have been struggling with tendinitis in both knees for about 8 months now (WAY longer than tendinitis should last), because I've been naive and refuse to quit cycling. Figure out your fit before you make it worse.
Also: don't forget to "warm down" after a ride. That could mean riding the last 2 miles easy or walking for a bit to get your heart rate down.