gear ratios/kgs

felix.london

Do any of you smart chaps out there know if there's any system for working out what ratios will be required for pushing additional kilos up hills?

I'll explain;

I'm currently speccing up my next build. On my current 12kg Rockhopper I have a 2x10, 22/36, 11-32 set-up. My lowest gear (22x32) is fine for me to get up anything that I'm likely to want to ride up without any problems

The next bike is looking like it'll be about 14.5kg. Now given the same input would a 22x34 (or equiv.) ratio pull me up with the same effort? Or would I need to go 22x36 (or equiv.) ?

...if you know what I mean :?

bennett_346

I doubt there's a formula, just use common sense. If you're already ten speed then just whack a 36t on and if you find you don't need it then when it needs replaced put a 34t on.

felix.london

I don't have the frame yet but getting drivetrain parts now. It's gonna be 2x10 with a medium cage rear mech (same as the 'hopper) so I'm limited to what chainrings and cassette I can use

I can go 22/32 + 11-36 or 22/34 + 11-34 or do the same as the 'hopper 22/36 + 11-32 but I know I'd be struggling up really steep stuff with the extra (at least) 2.5kg with that last one so it's gotta be one of the first 2 options.

bennett_346

I'd go with 22/32 + 11-36.

Gravity will help you down a hill even if you don't have the chainring to match, but you're on your own going up.

felix.london

True dat

but my sig tagline is weighing heavy on my mind...

"Why have that extra tooth if you're not using it?"

bartimaeus

Pedal faster uphill.

felix.london

Bartimaeus wrote:

Pedal faster uphill.

Not sensible 'round these parts...slow, steady spinning gets you to the top of these mountains

rockmonkeysc

Formulae won't work out unless you get in to some rather complex maths. Just go with what you think is right then tweak it with the chain rings if you need to.

cooldad

Don't worry, your delicate girly legs will man up soon enough.

felix.london

cooldad wrote:

Don't worry, your delicate girly legs will man up soon enough.

This is true. Nearly exactly a year ago I was gutted I'd ditched the 11-34 for the 11-32 but now it ain't a prob...so on that basis I should go with the 22/34 + 11-34 and MTFU

Neal_

Just take some of these