Brian Walker wrote:
> "Chris Neary" <[email protected] > wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>>>I'm running the largest in front of 52 and the smallest rear is 11. I'm
>>>finding that I'm now running out of gearing on flat/straights and I'm
>>>looking for a bit more gearing. My mechanic checked it and suggested going
>>>to a 54 or 55 on the front to get the extra bit I'm needing.
>>
>>You routinely ride at 30+ MPH on the flats?
>
>
> If I have either no wind or a slight tail wind I'm riding about 30mph.
> 25mph - 30mph would be a slight drag from the wind and on flats. It just
> depends on the terrain and the ride. It's when I get over 30mph that I lose
> the push from the gears and end up just maintaining the speed more than
> anything.
Er, my top gear is 52x12, and some simple math tells me that with a
700c wheel, 90rpm at the cranks gives me about 32mph. I'm not strong
enough to push that without someone in front of me (and even then, I'll
be hanging onto that wheel for dear life), but what that tells me is
that you shouldn't be spun out at 52x11 on your bike on the flats,
unless you enjoy turning big gears at slow rpms. Heck, 52x11 should be
good for almost 41mph, if you can spin 105rpm comfortably (I can, but
not at 41mph, unless I'm going downhill!). The hypothetical golden
cadence of 90rpm, at 52x11, translates to just over 35mph, FWIW.
> 18mph - 20mph would be a stronger drag of wind and/or hills. When I get
> that, I just change direction or call for the van...
I usually pick a gear that lets me spin 90-105 rpm at 18-25mph,
depending upon terrain, hills, and wind, on what passes for flats around
here ("flats" around here are usually gently rolling roads with mild
rises in them, 18mph in the big ring on them is usually a bit of a push).
> [...headwind, 13mph, tailwind, 40mph, avg. 18mph, "aero" handlebar
> tape...]
--
Chris BeHanna
'03 Specialized Allez Elite 27
'04 Specialized Hardrock Pro Disc
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