There have been a lot of postings about gearing, but I have a more specific question. I’m doing the Ralph’s Half next week, for the first time. I have a QR Tequilo, which has a Truvativ 53/42 on the front. It came with a 12-23 on the rear, but I replaced it with a 12-25.
Any thoughts on whether I should replace the small chainring in the front with something like a 39, to better deal with the hills on the latter portion of that course?
Thanks in advance.
If you’re riding 650’s you’ll be fine. If you are riding 700’s, you might want to switch out the 42 for a 39, particularly if you prefer to spin a smaller gear up the hills(which I do).
I am riding 650s, but I’m not really in the best of shape. Hills are tough for me. Since the hills are toward the end of the course, and I’d like to have a decent chance of finishing this race, I was thinking that a smaller chainring up front isn’t going to hurt, and as you say, will allow me to spin up the hills.
You’re right, it can’t hurt. Hang on to that 42, though. Many people use a bigger large chainring up front w/ 650’s(54-56)in order to better take advantage of downhills and tailwinds. If you become stronger and decide to do this, I don’t think a 39 small chainring will work as easily with a 54-56.