Gear Ratios Advice

[Richard (Apples)]

I'm currently running a 13-23 8spd cassette and struggled a bit on the hills in the latter stages of The Falling Leaves
Looking to change for maximum range to an 11-28 ?

Any thoughts

[kieran]

Hi Richard, we'll need to know your chainring sizes too! or a nice easy answer:

train more!

But if you have an 8 cog rear cassette then an 11-28 will have big jumps in it. Why also increase the gearing at the higher end from a 13 to 11? Also what does 'struggled a bit' mean?

a) I had to give in and walk
b) I almost died but managed to get over without walking
c) Got up and over but really felt it, had to go into the red
d) my heart rate went over 110pbm

[Richard (Apples)]

The front chainrings are 42 52

Kieran - it's c) Got up and over but really felt it, had to go into the red

Bloke next to me was spinning much easier and going same speed

Thanks Sean

[Dominic]

To follow on from Marco, if you do need to change the chain and cassette, you could try a 13-26. If you are going to ride over the winter this will give you a chance to see what you think. Your cassette will be knackered by the end of the winter so you could always change back to the 13-23 in the spring again.

[kieran]

richard,

As I have atriple I'm ok but my max is gearing is 50x12 and this does me fine at the level I race, if I wish to go fast I spin faster, so you could always drop a few sizes on the chain rings I will have to check my gear calculator I have set up on my work computer, but do you have any ida what your cadence was up the hills and also what do you like spinning at? I'm quite comfortable at around 100-110rpm on the flat but thi drops a bit going up hill.

[Ian A4size]

http://www.i1.net/~dwolfe/gerz/index.html
Hope this link works- nice easy to read format, look at what you have, look at what you want and then change to suit. I use at least 3 different cassettes over the year pending on what i am doing, tho to be sure- i know i will always have a monster low gear .
Keep your chain/s in good nick and your cassette will last a few years- i had a half ti one that i have only just retired that has lasted for 2 and a 1/2 years.

[quote]a 39 / 53

[Mike I]

Richard

I have a spare (used) 39/53 chainset if you want to try it. 39x23 should be low enough for most hills round here, and it will save you buying expensive extra kit. Send me a pm if you're interested.

Mike

[Richard (Apples)]

Thanks for all the advice chaps.

I've taken the plunge and gone for a 11-28 cassette and kept the 42-52 chainrings . Went for a quick spin last night and seems ok.



Thanks for the offer Mike