Gearing Help - looking for a climbing gear !!
I have a Litespeed with 9 speed Ultegra (double).
The bike has Front 52-39 and rear 23-11. I am on 650 c wheels.
I love the bike and it is perfect for everything except for the steepest of climbs, where I simply don't have the legs to turn the wheels. I live in a hilly part of the country and can manage most of the hills fine, but there are a couple of steep climbs I have to avoid. I need a climbing gear or gears.
What is the best option without ruining the rest of the bike? Can I put on a smaller 'small' front ring ? Or can I change the rear cassette, and to what ? I'm not sure what it would take to change it to a triple, but I am guessing this is an expensive option ? Your help is much appreciated.
The bike has Front 52-39 and rear 23-11. I am on 650 c wheels.
I love the bike and it is perfect for everything except for the steepest of climbs, where I simply don't have the legs to turn the wheels. I live in a hilly part of the country and can manage most of the hills fine, but there are a couple of steep climbs I have to avoid. I need a climbing gear or gears.
What is the best option without ruining the rest of the bike? Can I put on a smaller 'small' front ring ? Or can I change the rear cassette, and to what ? I'm not sure what it would take to change it to a triple, but I am guessing this is an expensive option ? Your help is much appreciated.
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Comments
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Shimano's short rear mech will allow a 27 tooth cog at the rear so that would give you a lower gear. It might even be worth trying a 29 tooth one, as the mech will likely cope as long as you don't try and use it with the large front chainring.
Failing that, then a compact chainset sounds ideal for you. It'll have front chainrings of 50/36, 50/34 or 48/34. The only thing you'll need to change for that is to lower the front mech slightly to cope with the smaller chainring.0
