Brompton Gearing

[Brommie77]

Hi there, this may be a strange question, but I am not too good at working out gearing ratios and things, so wondered if anyone could help here..

I currently have a Brompton S2L, but I find that I am often pedaling as fast as I can in top gear, wishing I could move the bike faster for the same pedal speed (if that makes any sense). What ratios could make this happen, or alternatively the expensive option if I added the three speed hub to make it an S6L, would this give me the speed I need, or just give me a broader range within the same limits.

I hope this makes sense as a question, any polite comments gratefully received.

 

[ColinJ]

I'll summon one of our resident Brompton riders for you. Hang on ... Shaun!

 

[mickle]

The answer, and I'm not being facetious, is to pedal faster. Bromptons are actually quite highly geared in standard spec.

I suspect that, like many bipeds, you are pedaling at a RPM rate close to walking pace.

There are many benefits to high RPM rather than high pedal pressure - you'll reduce the load on your body, knees particularly, on the bike's transmission. You'll encourage cardiovascular fitness, be able to accelerate quicker and you'll go faster for longer.

Persevere with the gearing you've got, concentrate on turning your toes in fast circles rather than pushing down hard on the pedals. And check that your saddle is at the correct height, a too high saddle inhibits the ability to spin.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

go here and all your questions and dreams will be answered......



http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/BromptonTalk/


you can browse and search but to post you need to join.

 

[mickle]

why would that forum be any better than... say.... this one?..........




http://www.cyclechat.net/

 

[mercurykev]

The simple answer to your problem is to get a smaller rear sprocket or a bigger front chainring. Both of these changes would give you a bigger gear.

 

[mickle]

The simple answer to your problem is to get a smaller rear sprocket or a bigger front chainring. Both of these changes would give you a bigger gear.

Yup, that's the simple answer awlright.

 

[potsy]

Or get a proper bike

 

[Brommie77]

The answer, and I'm not being facetious, is to pedal faster. Bromptons are actually quite highly geared in standard spec.

I suspect that, like many bipeds, you are pedaling at a RPM rate close to walking pace.

There are many benefits to high RPM rather than high pedal pressure - you'll reduce the load on your body, knees particularly, on the bike's transmission. You'll encourage cardiovascular fitness, be able to accelerate quicker and you'll go faster for longer.

Persevere with the gearing you've got, concentrate on turning your toes in fast circles rather than pushing down hard on the pedals. And check that your saddle is at the correct height, a too high saddle inhibits the ability to spin.

I appreciate where you are coming from, but i really cannot be spinning any faster - if my cateye speedo is correct, I am pushing 18-20mph at my personal max rpm, but on my road bike I can usually get faster than that....

why would that forum be any better than... say.... this one?..........




http://www.cyclechat.net/

Quite Right

The simple answer to your problem is to get a smaller rear sprocket or a bigger front chainring. Both of these changes would give you a bigger gear.

Cheers, that was kind of what I thought, but wanted some expert advice

Or get a proper bike

Hmmmmm

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

why would that forum be any better than... say.... this one?..........




http://www.cyclechat.net/

simply because it SPECIALIZES in bromptons, or are you trolling?

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Quite Right

i assume you didn't look then? there's over 500 brompton EXPERTS on there, oh well up to you if want to take advice from non brompton riders.

maybe get the baker in to fix the shower then

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Yup, that's the simple answer awlright.

not that simple on a brompton, the rear triangle only takes up to 16 toothed sprocket unless you start grinding the rear triangle away (& voiding your 5 year frame warranty).

The front ring is a maximum of 54 (iirc), or it interferes with the fold.


so unfortunately your not a brompton rider & have given duff advice

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Or get a proper bike

mmmmm, there's always one


you still up for waddington?

 

[Brommie77]

i assume you didn't look then? there's over 500 brompton EXPERTS on there, oh well up to you if want to take advice from non brompton riders.

maybe get the baker in to fix the shower then

Yes I have just joined the group, and will post the question on there shortly, but I thought there would be some experts on this forum too.

 

[John the Monkey]

Would Brompton's own gearing page be any help?

http://www.brompton.co.uk/page.asp?p=3069