I switched last year to a 40x17 for my main gear and it worked out well for me.
I have been riding some hilly 20 to 30 mile riese. You need to balance out
the need for speed against the ability to climb. For now I will stick with the
40x17 but when I try and tackle some hilly century rides next year I may
reconsider this.
I have installed my studded Nokians for the winter and because they are heavy
and slow I did put the 18 back on. The 18 is also old and worn so I don't mind
usnig it in the salty slush for the next few months.Larry Powers "just when you
think that you've been gyped the bearded lady comes and does a double back
flip" - John Hiatt > Date: Sun, 7 Dec 2008 18:55:13 -0800> Subject: [RBW] 50
Miles on the Quickbeam today - thoughts on 40x18> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]> To:
rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com> > > I did about 50 miles on the Quickbeam
today up the San Diego coast -> from near Downtown to Encinitas. I usually take
it a little slower on> my Protovelo, set up with Albatross bars, B66, etc. I
rode the same> ride last weekend with my brother and he took my (now sold)
Kogswell> P58, and really kicked some butt. He's very fast, and there are>
usually racing (or racing-dressed) riders on this ride. I got the> idea to take
the Quickbeam (set up with Noodles) and ride it pretty> hard for the coast ride
today. The Q usually serves as my "getter"> with a Wald basket and has seen
30-35 mile fun rides, but mostly 10-20> mile errand/transportation trips.> > It
was wonderful the whole time. I've gotten better at spinning as> well as
coasting - and I was passed on some of the big downhills. But> I passed the
same riders on the uphills. I charged up Torrey Pines> road without too much
trouble. I was exhausted when I got home, but> thrilled with the simplicity and
fun of the day. Never went down to> my smaller chainwheel, but if I went up
into Torrey Pines State Park,> that would have been the call.> > I just wanted
to say how great the stock gearing is on the bike. When> I first got it, I was
frustrated about having to spin so much on flats> and coast downhill. Now I
really appreciate it, especially because> 40x18 gets me up almost any hill,
including those on this ride, and> even up Potrero Hill in San Francisco.
Actually, mid-grade ascents> seem *easier* on the Quickbeam. I can't explain
that. 40x18 also> seems to be a great touring set-up. Its fun to learn to love
things> that you might initially shun.>
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