for all around touring? I'm running a Sturmey Archer 5spd IGH.

Current set-up (48/18) 45 54 72 96 115
second set-up (48/20) 40 48 64 86 103
Third set-up (48/22) 36 44 58 78 94

I don't like the current set-up (48/18), because it's not low enough to climb hills with ease, but I think the third set-up (48/22) is too low. I think I'll go with the second set-up, but just wanted to know what you all think. I'm just getting back into bicycles after a long stint in motorcycles, and this is my first venture into bicycle touring.

Run a 39 & 48 double with a 18 cog?

I know it's limiting, but I'd like to stay with just a single chain ring.

Go with the third set up, when touring you will need the low gear more than the higher gears. You could also drop the chain ring down a few teeth. Which 5 speed hub do you have?

Aaron

S-RF5(w)

That makes 3rd the direct. Can you change out your chain ring? Also what do you normally use as a flat land gear? I found I had to step down a few inches and keep my cadence up on a touring bike. FWIW I have and do tour on a Raleigh Superbe with the Sturmey Archer AW 3speed on it. I usually default to the 22t sprocket but also have a 24 and a 26 if the going gets really rough.

Aaron

Lots of touring bikes have low gears of under 30 gear inches. Most of depends on your riding style and how much gear you're carrying, but lower is better for the most part.

Sounds like I need to just buy both a 20 and a 22.

Depending on your riding conditions, 48x22 may not be low enough. And a 94" high is high enough for touring.

As I'm looking at it now, if I go with the 22, it gives me almost a full gear lower through all five gears. I think I'll go with the 22, because I rarely use 5th now anyways.

Bike Smith Designs is where I buy the larger sized ones. He has 24 and 26 available.

Aaron

Thanks, I'm going to check with my LBS and see if they can order them for me. I like to give my local, owner/opperator LBS a chance to make a buck. If he can't I'll hit up either bikesmithdesign.com or harris cyclery for a 22 tooth cog.

18" low, 95~100" high is a good range , no need to gear much higher.

Unfortunately, having that kind of range while trying to stay in the confines of a 5spd IGH is nearly impossible.

I've climbed a mountain pass and struggled. I kept wishing for a lower gear and I didn't have one. I've also ridden on level roads with a tailwind and wished I had a higher gear. The first situation is much more serious. I'd go for low on a tourer every time. It's hard to imagine having too low of a range, but I can certainly imagine not having low enough. (My knees can still feel it.) Go low.