Geared Riders: Do you change gearing for winter?

I've got 52/39 and 12-25 on my geared bike (ultegra drive train), but I've been thinking about going to 14-25 to deal with winter. I find myself staying out of the lower (easier) gears, but I like having more consecutive cogs in the back.

Does anyone here change for winter? What do you ride normally?

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Permalink Reply by Tommie on October 1, 2008 at 3:32pm

Not to insinuate that you're pulling a Lance.... I'm just saying the 1 tooth difference for a CX bike is minimal when you're riding a 12-25 or whatever. The ratio is 1:4.083 vs 1:4.167 on the high end and 1:1.96 vs 1:2 (49x12 50x12 49x25 50x25 respectively)

OR if you wanna talk inches . . . .50x12 is 112.5 49x12 is 110.2. 50x25 is 54inches and 49x25 is 52.9.... I'm assuming youre on a 700x32 tire and using 170mm cranks. And if I've finally understood gear inch, this means that you gain about 7" using 50x12 AND 3.4" for 50x25 per 1 pedal revolution.

Ok seriously. . . . . apparently I'm not only funny but I've just nerded out way beyond what I thought was possible. Wonders never cease: A 40 year old wins the olympics, I out-nerd myself ... I gotta calm down! I'm just gonna blame it on my evil brother Lore...... AH FUCK now I just referenced Star Trek. Gene Roddenbery SAVE ME!!!!!

AND since you're not changing a cassette there will be no change in the gaps between cogs i.e. 14-16 vs 14-15-16

ETC.

B said:

Tommie said:
ALBERTO'S!!!!

130BCD is pretty common and they have a decent selection of cross gear. I dunno about a 49 though. Just do 48 or grow a pair and do a 50

oooh that stings.

thanks I'll probaby pop in there ... havent' been for a while.