Specialized Langster

lwordsworth

I've just got a Langster, was expecting a geared bike but got this instead as it was so much lighter and seemed to ride like the wind, and very confidently too. However, i'm now thinking that the 42t front 16t back gear setup is a little too easy, in that I was to be able to travel on the flat at the same pace I am now but without my legs going round like crazy. There are only about 2 hills where I live so I'm sure that with a 14t set up I should be able to climb them still by standing up. Can anyone offer any advice on the difference I might expect to feel by dropping to a 14t on the back with a 42 front please?

I'm used to a GT Avalance MTB...

Intended use of the langster is for commuting to work (10 miles) and for doing Triathlons, got my first one in a month with a 25km bike leg, and then next summer I want to do london triathlon which is about a 90k bike I think. With these sorts of distances i'm assuming i'd be better having a bit more pace from my gears but without it being so hard to pedal that I tire very quickly.

Any hints/tips would be greatly appreciated!

cheers,

Luke

peejay78

i ride 48:16, and this or 48:18 seems to be a very common gearing for london.

there are a few hills, i.e pentoinville road, but they are so short and gentle as to be not worth paying attention to. i can get up highgate hill on it, which is steep, but it's not on my commute.

it feels just right, and i'm certainly no chris hoy, and i value my kness.

GaryGkn

I can get up Haverstock Hill on 48/18 it seems a good gear for London Town. Sometimes I want a higher gear for flat terrain but I'd be regretting it on longer and hillier rides.

deejay.

This is interesting for me, as I am thinking of treating myself to a Condor fixed bike, and have no ideas on gearing. I'm no climber, and live on the edge of the Mendip Hills, so often find myself on 39x25. I plan to visit Condor next month (though I would consider other bikes) and wanted to specify something I can handle. Any thoughts from those of you with experience in this area?

Cheers,

deej

bianco

I live in Rotherham/Sheffield and have tons of Hills to contest and I use a 42 x 13 gear ratio with no problems.

I only weigh 9 stone though but I think I clipless pedals are used to pull up as well it won't be a problem.

Thats my 2 cents

Martin

2Smart

42 x13 is a really big gear for Sheffield/Rotherham. I have 42 x 16 and am contemplating 42 x17, which is close to the 67" the traditionalists of old used to use. I do race a bit as well!

Croxted Avenger

Really obvious points but to the OP, are you riding the Langster fixed or free? I only ask because I hardly ever see Langsters ridden fixed these days (at least in the smoke).

Also its worth checking (if you are riding fixed) that the London Tri rules allow it - some Tris don't.

Assuming you are riding fixed, dropping to a 15T sprocket would give you a 73" gear - highish but not high IYSWIM.

star_rover

42/14 sounds a bit high to me. It's about 80". Good man if you can push that big a gear all the time.
Why not try a 15t and see how you get on?
I thought the Tri rules stated that there must be a brake on each wheel and both wheels must be freewheels.