So for context, I have a default 6 speed with 50T chain ring. It's great on flat, I ride mostly 2+ and occasionally 2-/3-. Ok for mild hills, but recently went on an 80km trip and struggled up steeper hills, having to walk one at some point. I'm planning on a roughly 400km trip with luggage and so have been looking at alternative gearing options.
I see people with dual chainrings (34/50) without front derailer, I was thinking that you could run dual chainring but without the +- gears and with a front derailer so you have less handlebar clutter. In fact I don't think the +- gears are that useful so wouldn't really miss them.
The sturmey archer wide 5 speed hub + 34/50 with front derailer feels like it would be a good option. Front derailer also means you can easily drop gears under tension when you reach a hill. (https://brilliantbikes.co.uk/brompton-hub-and-axle-parts/3147-brompton-srf5-hub.html), I'm not sure how the range and gear gaps compare between this hub and the default 3 speed one as I wasn't able to find that information
I see a few ppl mentionning the ATC speed drive, however I've also seen people say that it makes some noise or makes the pedal shake and stuff like that and is generally less comfortable to drive, so I don't know how viable a solution this is. Also as far as I understand the speed drive is equivalent to a 34/54T chain ring, but people say it's noticeably smoother on the 1:1 ratio (which afaik is the 34T one) which technically would be the one I spend less time on
Alternatively given that I seldom use the 3+ gear unless it's downhill, maybe simply going to a 44T or 40T chain ring is enough. Could also change to 17/14 sprockets but not sure how much a difference that makes. I've seen people talk about having 3 sprockets as well but I'm not sure how to actually implement that
Curious to hear if anyone has any of those configurations implemented and what you think
by Touniouk
1 Comment
There’s nothing wrong with walking up a hill or two. This is also the cheapest, least impactful option.
A smaller chainring (I recommend a 40T, as 44T is OK, but if you’re going to “go low,” you might as well get it over with in one shot, especially for a 400 km trip) is the easiest to do. I recommend replacing the chain at the same time, just in case you want to go back to 50T, you’ll have the complete set because the chain length has to be adjusted for each chainring size. A stock chain will need to be shortened, leaving a specific number of links for the chainring–plenty of info online for this. You will need master link pliers to remove the old chain, and a chain tool to remove links.
With the 40T of 44T chainrings, you will spin-out at slower speeds. So with the 40T, I can’t pedal faster than 18 MPH–there’s simply no leverage at my max. cadence. This is no big deal for me, since my days of bombing down hills at 40 MPH are way behind me.
There are other options as you mentioned–good luck deciding, and enjoy your trip!