Gearing question

Participating Members

549 vics26 http://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/users/549/avatar/c50_86662780_1285769687.jpg?1290151090 http://www.vitalmtb.com/community/vics26,549/all 08/18/09 4 8 8 CAN 1 21 24

Posts: 29

Joined: 8/18/2009

Location: CAN

2/10/2012 10:18 AM

Hey folks,

I have a stupid gearing question.

Currently running a 36tooth chainring with a 11-28 cassette.

If I want to get a higher gear ratio so that I can spin easier gears, would the best way be to get a larger cassette (11-34) or a smaller chain ring (32 tooth). I know it would be best to swap out both but if I could only do one, would it be better to get a new cassette with higher gear range or simply swap out the chainring to a 32 tooth. I guess my question is what will make the biggest difference, the cassette or the chainring.

Thanks

bomacarthur

7325 bomacarthur http://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/users/7325/avatar/c50_Photo_on_2010_01_04_at_16.34.jpg?1300739439 http://www.vitalmtb.com/community/bomacarthur,7325/all 03/21/11 http://www.vitalmtb.com/community/bomacarthur,7325/setup 2 Aptos, CA USA 2 6 5

Posts: 6

Joined: 3/21/2011

Location: Aptos, CA USA

2/10/2012 12:02 PM

I would first go with the smaller chain ring. Cheaper and easier to replace and it will still make a big difference in pedaling.

bturman

109 bturman http://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/users/109/avatar/c50_89625830_1267691215.jpg?1290150150 http://www.vitalmtb.com/community/bturman,109/all 08/01/09 75 21 6 http://www.vitalmtb.com/community/bturman,109/setup 1389 211 CO, USA 754 651 564 1021

Posts: 862

Joined: 8/1/2009

Location: CO, USA

Administrator

2/10/2012 12:40 PM

Let's do a little math...

Your current setup is a 36 paired with an 11-28. That gives you a gear ratio range of 36/28=1.29 to 36/11=3.27.

An 11-34 tooth cassette with your current 36 tooth chainring will provide a range of 1.06 to 3.27.

A 32 tooth chainring with your current 11-28 cassette will provide a range of 1.14 to 2.91.

What does that mean? The lower the number, the easier it is to pedal. So, if you had to choose one, a larger cassette will give you the biggest range. You'll get an easier gear for climbing and maintain a hard gear for high speed stuff. just know that you'll likely need a new chain if you opt for the larger cassette.

Like bikes? Hit Vital up on Facebook and Twitter.

Post a Reply to: Gearing question

To post, please join, log in or connect to Vital using your Facebook profile