53/39 11,12,13,14,15,17,19,21,23,26

[RC Vikings]

Would this gearing take care of all my needs?

[bluegoose]

Cartainly on the high end of things you would be good to go with a 53/11.

A 39/26 on the lower end is marginal imo for climbing anything with a serious grade of 12+%. You might be fine with the motor that I understand that you have. But if you have anything with 18-20% that you plan to ride, you had better plan on standing, because I don't think you could easily spin up with that ratio.

Getting close to a new bike?

[RC Vikings]

Originally Posted by bluegoose

Cartainly on the high end of things you would be good to go with a 53/11.

A 39/26 on the lower end is marginal imo for climbing anything with a serious grade of 12+%. You might be fine with the motor that I understand that you have. But if you have anything with 18-20% that you plan to ride, you had better plan on standing, because I don't think you could easily spin up with that ratio.

Getting close to a new bike?

Getting there. I'm just looking at the SRAM Force or Red group and wondering what direction to go. Red in a little pricey but I may just treat myself to it. They have what they call their compact drives of 50/36 or 50/34 but I think I would miss the top end of the 53/11. My biggest cassette in back now is a 23 so I need to find a bike with a 26 and see how big a difference that would make. I definitely need something I can spin up hill with, I'm a little tired of grinding up them.

[creekster]

I can't really add anything to what BlooGoose said. Given how little I have been ri=diing, I winder if I could get a 11/53?

[bluegoose]

Originally Posted by creekster

I can't really add anything to what BlooGoose said. Given how little I have been ri=diing, I winder if I could get a 11/53?

Bloo???

[creekster]

Originally Posted by bluegoose

Bloo???

Who knows. Maybe in honor of halloween?

[bluegoose]

Originally Posted by creekster

Who knows. Maybe in honor of halloween?

BooGoose. I like it.

[Archaea]

I understand 53-39 on front end, but is talking of a 26 with an 11? RC has a huge motor and climb anything, but why would you want a 26 for most things?

I'm an average guy who climbs most mountains with a 23. Is there a reason to go higher other than just spinning?

[bluegoose]

Originally Posted by Archaea

I understand 53-39 on front end, but is talking of a 26 with an 11? RC has a huge motor and climb anything, but why would you want a 26 for most things?

I'm an average guy who climbs most mountains with a 23. Is there a reason to go higher other than just spinning?

One of the Tour stage winners this past year won a mountain stage with a 39/27 combo.

[creekster]

Originally Posted by bluegoose

One of the Tour stage winners this past year won a mountain stage with a 39/27 combo.

Of course, he was doped to the gills and so could spin until his knees fell off.







*Non-cycling fans please note that a cycling fan can make this sort of joke, but the rest of you better not try it or you will be mercilessly attacked by a bunch of skinny little guys in lycra bibshorts with really, really bad farmer's tans. I will be there, too.