A vote for negative population growth

[curvemudgeon]

The WoD trail is much, MUCH more enjoyable when I can have most of it all to myself. 23 miles, averaging a bit over 15mph. Might be time to start considering a new bike though; I found myself outrunning my gearset.

Comments

[justin79.livejournal.com]

You could consider just getting a bigger chainring; my friend Rob had a 55 put on when he found himself spinning out.

[curvemudgeon.livejournal.com]

Huh - hadn't considered that option. Am I correct in assuming that I'd also have to dump the front derailer? (Shimano Altus, if it matters).

[justin79.livejournal.com]

Oh, I don't really know, but it would probably at least need to be adjusted. You should talk to someone at a shop about it.

[justin79.livejournal.com]

Also, there is this (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html#front).

[curvemudgeon.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the info. Buying a new (road vs. the hybrid I'm working with now) would be more fun, but I guess I have to consider financial realities :). Came across this...

Do you have a Shimano Hyperdrive C drivetrain? Yes? Do you spin your drivetrain out all the time? Yes? Then replace your lousy 42 tooth stock outer chainring, with a 46 tooth one (48 if you can hack it), and if you have an 11 tooth outer ring in back, change it to a 12 tooth cassette cog and watch your speed go through the roof. (Note that it may take quite a bit of tinkering to make your front derailleur work with the larger chain rings)

42? Ai yi yi. I also discovered that there's about 5 broken teeth on the outer ring. Definitely sounds like time to find a working replacement.

[justin79.livejournal.com]

I don't believe you would need to change any of the rear cogs; I think you should be able to install the larger chainring, add a few links, and fiddle with the derailer.

[curvemudgeon.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's what I gathered. The 11->12 switch was just a 'suggestion'. I'm just kinda stunned the tall ring is as small as it is. Sheesh.

Are you on a fixed-speed now? What's the ring like on that one?

[justin79.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I've been riding fixed gear exclusively since I wrecked (http://chemicaldream.com/images/Broken.jpg) my last geared bike a couple years ago. I run 49 X 15.