The difference between a 38t front and 44t front on the top end is probably the difference between spinning out at 26mph and spinning out at 30mph.
Check out the Sheldon Brown Gear Calculator page for looking at impact of gear changes in gear inches, mph at cadence etc. While we can probably assume what crank you are running, would be good to verify for anyone who wants to speak on how changing the big ring would impact your overall setup. -Justus Mpls, MN On Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 5:37:48 PM UTC-5 [email protected] wrote: > I know this topic is addressed in countless ways online, so I'm looking > for more of a real-life take on the concept of gear inches. > > I'm running the wide/low double 38x24 (with guard) and an 11-34 on the > rear but feel like I am spinning out at the top end of the range on my > Hillborne. I'm a heavy guy, riding a big heavy bike and, momentum being > what it is, I can get up to a decent clip on flats and downhills. My Wahoo > trainer has an 11-28 installed and even when grinding up a 10-12% grade in > Watopia, I never use my 24 up front. I occasionally use it on the road, but > mostly stay in the big ring...34 seems plenty low for me. > > I think I might enjoy having a bigger gear up front but am not sure how > much of a difference it would make. I have a reasonable sense of what rear > cluster gearing means, but less so up front. > > Is there any way to quantify or assess or describe what might be gained by > going to a 42 or 44 over the 38? Can I just swap in the larger gear or will > I lose the guard? > > Thanks to anyone who has read this far! > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/2527c24b-7a35-42c6-a887-3b17d0d47008n%40googlegroups.com.
