gearing question

[captainhastings]

Would a bike with this gearing
12 speed 22.5 inch (570mm).52-42 chain rings
be geared low enough for some of hill around wales here. I am not sure how it compares to my existing defy 2 compact or my previous bike the carrera tdf which was a double. I manage fine on both of them

 

[cycleruk]

You could compare the gearing to the bikes you have at the moment but i would say it depends a lot on the fitness as well, some would say that you would be grinding the gears and others would say it would be two low (if there is such a thing on hill climbing).

 

[captainhastings]

Thanks that is just what I needed to know

 

[Sittingduck]

You need to find out the range of that (6 speed?) cassette/freewheel. I don't like the sound of a small chainring of 42t, if you have Welsh hills in mind! How many teeth does the largest sprocket on the rear have?

 

[cycleruk]

http://www.technolog...ars1/gears5.htm here try this, this will help you work out what the gearing is

 

[Garz]

For reasonable fitness you would be fine, however tough hills would pose a challenge for sure. On a compact I can get away with having a 23 as my lowest on the cassette (34 chain ring). I'm not sure I would be as confident having a 42T up front but it would depend on what you have on offer at the rear.

 

[HLaB]

I've never been to Wales but from reports I can't imagine its all that flat; personally unless you have a very wide range cassette/ freewheel a 42t chairing would provide a quite high lowest gear, I wouldn't want it and I like hills

 

[captainhastings]

Ok thank you I will need to read up on this gearing and teeth lark I was bidding on an old raleigh as for some reason I am finding my self drawn to old type bikes.I lost it any way but will be keeping my eyes open for a cheapy.Next year I would love to look at some thing like a surly pacer for my main bike if I can swing it with the lady wife

 

[ASC1951]

Next year I would love to look at some thing like a surly pacer for my main bike if I can swing it with the lady wife

Approach that task with care. I would particularly avoid the word swinging, for instance.