Newbie with a question

[GunterP]

Thanks Phantom, but my legs are getting very old and tired at 45 years old! I will certainly try the original setup again, after I rebuild it. Not sure if my legs will manage though!

 

[phantom photon]

Re:

I'm 45 and old and knackered too

 

[colnagolover]

Re: Re:

It would be cheaper and easier to fit a 14-28 sprocket on the back, you shouldn't need to change anything else.

Completely agree, 14-28 on the back and 52-42 up front should take care of most things. For hilly rides, I use 53-39 up front (I have a 135 BCD) and 14 - 28 down the back, I'm 72 and on the way to the knacker's yard but it takes care of most things that come my way these days!!

 

[GunterP]

Okay then, it looks like I will just have to man up and use the setup I have!!

I will start a new post in readers road bikes to document my build...I still have a few more questions!

 

[Jonny69]

As said, it will be cheaper to change the rear cassette as a new screw-on cassette is about £15. 14-28 is the usual selection and will work with most derailleurs, you can also get 14-32 but the 32 might catch the rear derailleur.

At the front, I think it's got 130mm bcd chainrings like most Shimano stuff of the age. You can go down to 39 teeth on 130mm if your knees are shot (like mine).

 

[GunterP]

Thanks Retro Guru, sounds like the easier option. I will query google and see what I find!

 

[hamster]

With 130 pcd rings you can in fact get down as far as 38T...every little helps!

And of course No.5 below:
http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/

 

[k-rod]

Jeepers peeple - I'm 57 and climb/cycle all sorts of extended hills ... on and off-road. What's all this "I'm old and tired" and "I can't do this" and "can't do that" crap?

Sheesh. Put some effort into your existence (you'll reap manifold rewards in return)!

 

[JSH]

Jeepers peeple - I'm 57 and climb/cycle all sorts of extended hills ... on and off-road. What's all this "I'm old and tired" and "I can't do this" and "can't do that" crap?

Sheesh. Put some effort into your existence (you'll reap manifold rewards in return)!

Well done!

 

[Pionir]

Seconded. I think a 42 front with 24 rear is quite workable on anything up to 1:7 for someone of middling strength. OK if you want to spin to the top of hills then go bigger (maybe a 2 but you can always get out of the saddle

I only ever used the big chainring when I had an MTB as it was too boring twiddling away at 3mph!