|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Newby question. Mtb into commuter bike
I have recently started riding my old trek 950 mtb to work. My problem is
speed. In areas where Im really cranking slightly downhill I run out of gear. My top gear is too slow. I believe I have normal mountain bike gears. Could I switch the gears for smaller or faster gears. If so any ideas? I know that I should switch to some slick tires for my 26" rims. Is there anything else I can do to improve speed? Thanks |
Ads |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Newby question. Mtb into commuter bike
On Wed, 30 Jul 2003 13:29:56 +0200, "rh" wrote:
I have recently started riding my old trek 950 mtb to work. My problem is speed. In areas where Im really cranking slightly downhill I run out of gear. My top gear is too slow. I believe I have normal mountain bike gears. Could I switch the gears for smaller or faster gears. If so any ideas? Probably. A while back I switched an 22-30-42 crankset out in favor of a 48-38-28 on a commuter MTB. The extra six teeth on the big ring made a huge differentiae, and the overall combination created with this set made for a nice package. The 48 tooth set was an older Coda model that I picked up from a catalog "blowout sale" for $20. It fit right on my existing bottom bracket. The only limiting factor is your front der having enough room to move high enough to clear the larger ring set. If you can slide the der up, you can probably do it. You may need a new cable and a new chain as well. Barry |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Newby question. Mtb into commuter bike
rh said...
I have recently started riding my old trek 950 mtb to work. My problem is speed. In areas where Im really cranking slightly downhill I run out of gear. My top gear is too slow. I believe I have normal mountain bike gears. Could I switch the gears for smaller or faster gears. If so any ideas? I know that I should switch to some slick tires for my 26" rims. Is there anything else I can do to improve speed? Thanks Check to see if you have an 11t on the small cog in the rear. Yours may be a 12t or larger. 44t on the large chainring is common today. You may have a 42t. Going from 42/12 to 44/11 would take you from 3.5:1 to 4:1. I noticed that at least some XTR (big $) chainrings are 46t. Maybe there are others. You will have to change your crank if you can't find a proper chainring replacement. I have heard of some people installing road cranks to get their commuting speed up. I can sustain more than 20mph on flat ground with a 44/11. That's good enough for me, but if you want to go as fast as possible, maybe you could sell your bike and get a used road bike. Maybe somebody would like to trade. |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Another question on Yakima Bighorn bike carrier, hitchmount, 1.25, 4 bike capacity. tryitoz | Joe Donaldson | General | 1 | March 22nd 04 10:46 PM |
Commuter Bike Choice | igloo | General | 3 | January 9th 04 07:46 AM |
How old were you when you got your first really nice bike? | Brink | General | 43 | November 13th 03 11:49 AM |
Impressed by "Novice" bike commuter | MP | General | 30 | October 12th 03 07:31 AM |
Glacier Point Magna 26" Bike Repair Question | sandy | Mountain Biking | 8 | July 21st 03 02:21 PM |