preferred-google-button
log in
register

Cycling Gear Ratios – Quickest Performance gain

  • Creator
    Topic
  • September 12, 2013 at 10:20 pm #19847
    backflipbedlem

    So I got my budget bike a couple of months ago to get into Road cycling. Made a couple of basic improvements, peddles, pads etc. But as I’m getting more into it and nearing my 1000km Mark. I’ve noticed that I’ve been struggling on some of the more serious climbs 10%+ etc.
    Thought this was just down to being relatively new, but then started looking into great ratios, turns out my bike has 48/38 front and 14-28 rear which means my best combo is 38, 28 giving me a ratio of 1.36 which is in no means ideal.
    Now I’ve got the Biggin Hill sportive coming up soon which will feature lots of fun climbs. What’s my best way to improve this ratio? And what would you recommend?
    Just swap out the chainset and leave cassette as is?
    I’m on a budget, hence the budget bike!
    All help greatly appreciated!

  • Creator
    Topic
Viewing 16 replies (of 16 total)
1 2
  • Author
    Replies
  • September 13, 2013 at 6:37 am #756369
    0
    PJ McNally

    A cassette is probably going
    A cassette is probably going to be cheaper than a new chainset. You might be able to go to a 30 tooth bottom cog, or even 32. Shimano make good quality basic cassettes for mtb, eg HG50 , that might suit you. Or Sunrace, which is shimano compatible. (i’m assuming your drivetrain is shimano).

    You need to look up what reach your rear mech can handle – a 32 might be too big!

    Oh – and that swap would give you a higher top gear, too. 11 or 12, rather than 14.

  • Author
    Replies
Viewing 16 replies (of 16 total)
1 2
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.