Tell me a success story about moving to higher gears
10-17-24, 07:06 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Tell me a success story about moving to higher gears
So I've been commuting on the same 3 by 6 speed drivetrain with a basic 14-28 rear cassette for over two years now.
When I started, my bike was geared too high for me and my commute. I never used the big ring on the front and had to walk the bike up some steep hills when I didn't have the gearing to make it by pedaling.
Now the situation is a bit reversed. I can make it up all the hills without using the big ring on the front, and I often go the small ring for that extra big of speed on the levels and downhills.
I'me sure some of that improvement is mechanical - better mechanical condition of the wheels and moving parts, better tires and tire pressures, better clothing, better chain lube, etc. Losing 20 or 30 lbs. in the process also didn't hurt.
The rest of the improvement would obviously be me getting stronger.
I would like to from other people that also moved up through their gears. How much did you improve? How long did it take? Did anyone ever outgrow a cassette/freewheel or an entire bike to get higher gears? I would image that most multi-speed bikes have enough gearing for most riders and most conditions (by design).
When I started, my bike was geared too high for me and my commute. I never used the big ring on the front and had to walk the bike up some steep hills when I didn't have the gearing to make it by pedaling.
Now the situation is a bit reversed. I can make it up all the hills without using the big ring on the front, and I often go the small ring for that extra big of speed on the levels and downhills.
I'me sure some of that improvement is mechanical - better mechanical condition of the wheels and moving parts, better tires and tire pressures, better clothing, better chain lube, etc. Losing 20 or 30 lbs. in the process also didn't hurt.
The rest of the improvement would obviously be me getting stronger.
I would like to from other people that also moved up through their gears. How much did you improve? How long did it take? Did anyone ever outgrow a cassette/freewheel or an entire bike to get higher gears? I would image that most multi-speed bikes have enough gearing for most riders and most conditions (by design).
10-17-24, 07:39 PM
#2
10-17-24, 07:56 PM
#3
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if you switch to a more modern drivetrain like a 10 or 11 speed cog set, you will have more range like a 11-28 cassette and a 50/34 crankset.
If you can crank a 50-11 gear range up any grade, you are a better man than I.
If you can crank a 50-11 gear range up any grade, you are a better man than I.
10-17-24, 08:02 PM
#4
You may wish to look at what you wrote, and realize you have it all backwards, then try again. Either that, or put down the bottle.
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10-17-24, 08:38 PM
#5
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When I started, my bike was geared too high for me and my commute. I never used the big ring on the front and had to walk the bike up some steep hills when I didn't have the gearing to make it by pedaling.
Now the situation is a bit reversed. I can make it up all the hills without using the big ring on the front, and I often go the small ring for that extra big of speed on the levels and downhills.
Now the situation is a bit reversed. I can make it up all the hills without using the big ring on the front, and I often go the small ring for that extra big of speed on the levels and downhills.
OK then.
As for the rest of your confusing post, yes I use the large rings of my bikes more now than I did when I started riding. And in some instances I have switched to a cassette with a smaller total range.
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10-17-24, 08:42 PM
#6
10-17-24, 08:49 PM
#7
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The big ring in the front is for going faster downhill.
The small ring in the front is for big uphills.
10-17-24, 09:04 PM
#8
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stick with the bottle, but just ride the bike more. 
it comes to all of us eventually - ..... proof read or keep it short.
it comes to all of us eventually - ..... proof read or keep it short.
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Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
