Gear Ratios

[Not Responding]

When I go up to Scyvier Cycles to talk about this new bike, I know that
I'm going to be asked about gear ratios. I honestly haven't got a clue
what would be appropriate. Suggestions appreciated.

My current bike offers no clues; it's an 8 gear hub purely for commuting
and utility duties. My previous bike was one of the faster flat barred
Ridgebacks (but not the Day series). I have no idea what the gearing was
but it took me most places I wanted to go.

If it's relevant, I'll probably be going for the Veloce triple.

 

[Clive George]

"Not Responding" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> When I go up to Scyvier Cycles to talk about this new bike, I know that
> I'm going to be asked about gear ratios. I honestly haven't got a clue
> what would be appropriate. Suggestions appreciated.
>
> My current bike offers no clues; it's an 8 gear hub purely for commuting
> and utility duties. My previous bike was one of the faster flat barred
> Ridgebacks (but not the Day series). I have no idea what the gearing was
> but it took me most places I wanted to go.
>
> If it's relevant, I'll probably be going for the Veloce triple.

Triple with close ratio back - 13-23 on the back if 9, 12-23 or 13-26 if 10
(probably the latter).

Well, that's what I've got and I quite like it

(is the 14-23 cassette aimed at junior racing?)

cheers,
clive

 

[JBB]

"Not Responding" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> When I go up to Scyvier Cycles to talk about this new bike, I know that
> I'm going to be asked about gear ratios. I honestly haven't got a clue
> what would be appropriate. Suggestions appreciated.
>
> My current bike offers no clues; it's an 8 gear hub purely for commuting
> and utility duties. My previous bike was one of the faster flat barred
> Ridgebacks (but not the Day series). I have no idea what the gearing was
> but it took me most places I wanted to go.
>
> If it's relevant, I'll probably be going for the Veloce triple.

If you're planning "long" day-rides rather than a couple of hours round the
lanes you will need low gears. For a start what is the lowest gear on your
hybrid? Veloce seem only to do 52-42-30 at the front so you then have to
choose the sprockets, you can go 13-28 on 9 speed 13-29 on 10. This still
gives you a decent top gear for downhill with a following wind and something
lowish for getting up hills. However a lot depends on your style, since
upping my cadence I have a real preference for lower gears. I have a Racing
triple on the front 50,40 and replaced the 30 with a 28 and 13-28 on the
back. I still walk up hills sometimes. A hill you can power up after 10
miles can be a real challenge after 100.

So to sum it up; with 9 or 10 speed you have a good choice of closely spaced
gears. To decide I would err on the side of caution with the cassette; it's
cheap and easy to replace as you get fitter and faster. As a reality check
can you look up the specs for your hub and get the gear ratios from the
spec - just top and bottom would do. Bear in mind a light roadbike will be
lighter and quicker (I hope!); then have a think about how far you may want
to cycle in a day. The other thing is to discuss all this with John when you
go to Waterlooville.

HTH
Julia

 

[Pete Biggs]

Not Responding wrote:
> When I go up to Scyvier Cycles to talk about this new bike, I know
> that I'm going to be asked about gear ratios. I honestly haven't got
> a clue what would be appropriate. Suggestions appreciated.
>
> My current bike offers no clues; it's an 8 gear hub purely for
> commuting and utility duties. My previous bike was one of the faster
> flat barred Ridgebacks (but not the Day series). I have no idea what
> the gearing was but it took me most places I wanted to go.
>
> If it's relevant, I'll probably be going for the Veloce triple.

Veloce triple cranks come with 30-42-52 rings. You're unlikely to be
offered a choice on those, though they could be changed later.

For general riding & touring, my suggestion for a cassette to go with that
chainset is a bit lower & less "close" than Clive's but it's still
probably no wider than what you've been used to: 14-28 for the 9-speed
version (or 13-29 for 10-speed).

~PB