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Charge Duster SS gear ratios
Thanks to K-Rudd, I've finally been given the green light to get a new bike for my bumpy work commute. After much deliberation, I've decided to go with a Charge Duster SS: http://www.chargebikes.com/products/bikes/detail...
I would like a little bit of help please, to decide on what gear ratio to use so that I can get the right chainring sorted.
On my Fuel ex7, I can safely get from A to B in the big ring (44t) and 5th Gear (20t?) or 6th Gear (17t?) depending on how many Weet-Bix I've 'done'. With a 16t cog on the Charge, what size chainring do you think would be smart to use?
Also, as the bike is quite a bit lighter and stiffer, should I assume that this bike will be faster and that I should be looking at a bigger gear ratio?
Thanks in advance,
Bully
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I think it's all subjective but a good starting place is 2:1, so a 16 rear would be 32 upfront. I run a single speed Surly Steamroller with 20 / 44 but my ride is pretty flat with only a few medium short inclines. 700c wheels may have some impact too and I haven't run a 26" SS. So basically ignore most of what I'm saying as I've realised it's not that related!!
Good Question.
It really depends on the following questions
How fit you are - the fitter you are and the fitter you want to get - so increase that ratio
The hills you ride - SS are damn hard work on hills, the hill from north Sydney up pacific highway hurts!
The speed at which you want to ride
And yes assume that you will ride faster than your MTB
I have just bought a SS and commute from Lane Cove to Sydney University and am currently in a 46 Front 17 Back. As I get fitter then I will go for a 16. But my bike is made to be more aggressive than yours its a SE Lager.
Lorrie
My ride is about 13km each way, very flat (but extremely bumpy) with a few short hills that I try and bust through in the big ring still. I usually cover the trip in around 25 minutes.
In terms of fitness, I'm a work in progress - fairly fit for my other sports with the intention of getting much fitter for cycling.
I borrowed a mates SS a few months back which had more offroad gearing. I spun out way too quickly on the flat and found that the hills were easy - when what I wanted was a challenge.
Should I go bigger now and feel the burn for a few weeks or gradually increase the ratios? ie, my wallet rarely opens and buying several rings/cogs doesn't really appeal.
Just like drinking - go big, go hard.............. go home early
My commute is 15 km each way and relatively flat. Just a few testing hills but nothing impossible. I wouldn't want to go much bigger, but similarly I wouldn't want to go much smaller either. It works well for me. Any longer or hillier i'd have to reduce it though.
Since you have the 16 and you've done it before big and 17 anything from 40-44 should do the trick. You'll find 3216 far too spinny on a relatively flat route.