Biking to Wales.... Gear question!!!

mcflyss

Hello people.

Well in may 2011 I will be embarking on another coast to coast this time finishing in Wales, many many more steep hills than what I am used to in flat Suffolk!!!
This years ride ended with a 1.6 mile long BIT*H of a hill that a lot of people had to walk up. The route is being planned as we speak and there are a lot of HARDER climbs.
So, I currentnly own the Bianchi C2C which has 2 cogs on the front and 9 at the rear. Some people who rode with me this year had 3 cogs at the front.... so making it a lot easier for the climbs.
Now I know there is a lot to change to make a bike go from 2 to 3 at the front... so would you bother?
OR would you just change a couple of cogs at the rear for taller cogs making them a little easier?

Sorry if this does not make mush sense.... although i love biking and have been for many years, when it comes to the technical side of things im lost!!!

Any help or suggestions would be great!!!

sub55

i ride up and down wales regulary. some times from one to the other and back again
always managed perfectly well with a 39/ 53 on the front and 11/21 on the back.

orbeaorca

Hi, I am from Ipswich to

I often cycle in Wales and have taken on most of the tough climbs there such as Bwlch Y Groes and Bwlch Penbarras so I can understand what you have facing you in 2011.

I dont use a triple chainset and have never really felt the need, I use a 12-27 cassette on the rear and thats always got me through.

It is not simple changing from a double to a triple ( as far as my limited knowledge goes ) so its a hell of a lot easier changing cassettes if you think theres a need.

You are also not going for a few months so plenty of times to get those legs fitter so you dont need to worry about changing set ups

Grifteruk

Well I live in S Wales so I'm stuck with hills whether I like it or not.

I use a compact (50/34 teeth) on the front with a 11-27 cassette, which sees me ok on pretty much anythin I come across. Havin said that the 33% penmaen hill in gower beat me last weekend. Me and that hill are currently 1-1 on the scoresheet !

Lots of guys in my club use a 54/39 on the front but I like to spin and they are stronger than me. And even tho I find hills everywhere I'm not very good at them - winter training will be to try and improve

I'd just change the cassette- I think u can get shimano dura ace cassetes up to a 28 thesedays if u can afford it and want that extra comfort. It would be cheaper than a whole new front end I would guess.

random man

Will you be carrying any extra weight? I rode round Wales this year with panniers and was really glad I had a triple.
If it's just you and the bike you should be ok with a double.

gwillis

where abouts in south wales?. I run a bianchi in standard set up so might be able to help

mcflyss

Finish @ Aberystwyth
But thank you every one, think will go for different gearing on the rear!
Thanks again