P
Pooh
Guest
I have the following setup: 26" Specialized Rockhopper an older double butted chro-mo handmade frame
that I like and use as a utility bike. My riding area is hilly, with fairly steep hills.
My gearing is 21 speeds with a Bontrager 4-arm 104 mm BCD triple
44/32/22 tooth gears And a hyperglide 7 speed cassette rear from Harris Cyclery with
44/32/1/1/1/1/13 tooth gears.
Using the Effective Cycling logarithmic gear chart in chapter 5, I laid out my setup and came up
with a half step if I replace my 32 tooth chainwheel with a 41 optimal, or 42 tooth chain ring. I
believe this result is correct.
My problem: I can't seem to find a 41 or 42 tooth gear to install in the middle gear position. The
gears I did find have the bolt counter bore on the pedal side of the gear meaning that it is for the
third chainwheel position. Of course, if I reverse the gear then the machined ramps for the granny
gear are lost. I also tried this on my Shimano LX 4-arm 104 mm BCD and found that the chainwheel is
not reversable from the outside to middle position (meaning that it does not fit and there is
interference).
45. Do I still want to continue on this line of reasoning?
46. Is half step gearing a reasonable thing still
47. If I continue, what make and brand of gear should I be looking at?
48. Would I be happier keeping what I have and pocket my $34 on a nice meal?
that I like and use as a utility bike. My riding area is hilly, with fairly steep hills.
My gearing is 21 speeds with a Bontrager 4-arm 104 mm BCD triple
44/32/22 tooth gears And a hyperglide 7 speed cassette rear from Harris Cyclery with
44/32/1/1/1/1/13 tooth gears.
Using the Effective Cycling logarithmic gear chart in chapter 5, I laid out my setup and came up
with a half step if I replace my 32 tooth chainwheel with a 41 optimal, or 42 tooth chain ring. I
believe this result is correct.
My problem: I can't seem to find a 41 or 42 tooth gear to install in the middle gear position. The
gears I did find have the bolt counter bore on the pedal side of the gear meaning that it is for the
third chainwheel position. Of course, if I reverse the gear then the machined ramps for the granny
gear are lost. I also tried this on my Shimano LX 4-arm 104 mm BCD and found that the chainwheel is
not reversable from the outside to middle position (meaning that it does not fit and there is
interference).
45. Do I still want to continue on this line of reasoning?
46. Is half step gearing a reasonable thing still
47. If I continue, what make and brand of gear should I be looking at?
48. Would I be happier keeping what I have and pocket my $34 on a nice meal?