Gearing

[psiron]

I noticed that Ryan Leach on his video says that he uses a 22 tooth front ring and a 19 tooth rear sprocket. My Inspired Fourplay came equipped with a 22 front and 16 rear. I'm interested to know if changing the gearing is going to make much difference and how to make sure that the right sprocket is chosen.

thanks

[isitafox]

For street riding on your inspired I'd stick with the 16t or maybe even drop it to a 15t

[CalopS]

I think Ryan Leech rides 26 usually which is different gearing to 24.

So yer what Dave said

[LEON]

22-18 on a 24" is the same as 22-19 on a 26" which is what I use.

[ooo]

I recently went from 22-16 on a fourplay to a 22-18 equivalent (18-14 ) ratio and I was instantly happier, I tried 14t too but it was too hard to pedal kick but was great for ragging at stuff and bunny hopping.

22-18 is close to the standard trials ratio so it makes pedal kicks and sidehops much easier. Definitely experiment and see whats good for you, it really depends on your style, environment and in what direction you want to progress.

I'd say try an 18t and a 15t you can pickup cheap ones for a few quid, gear ratio makes a huge difference to how your bike feels for better or worse.

[psiron]

I keep having problems with a hamstring injury that came over from my road riding days and peddle kicks and drive train orientated moves tend to bring it on. i don't have the same problems on my mtb or road bike and i've been wondering if lowering the gearing will cure the problem.

I also noted that if i raise the front wheel from the starting position (i.e. weak foot forwards) the front wheel is high and when i'm ready to get the power down with my strong foot, i find i'm off balance. so would lowering the gearing shorten the movement or increase it?

Edited April 17, 2013 by psiron

[picowatt]

I had 22/18 on an Ashton effect. It was way too short. I now have the same gearing on a 26 in bike and like it much better. Just for te reason of changing to echo tr cranks I will be changing to 18/15

[psiron]

Thanks for all the reply's, I'm gonna try 22-18 and see.

[Beefchops]

You will change after a while, I started with 22 19t then 18t 17t 16t and now I've just ordered a 15t! This is over years though! Id try a couple then you'll know what's best for you at this time!

[CalopS]

It depends on his hamstring injury. 18t will be a good starting point to test your injury but i'd say the best ones would be 16 or 15.

Ali runs 22/15

[Beefchops]

Lowering the gear would increase the amount of pedal rotation and decrease the distance travelled supposed to a stiffer gear which would decrease the amount of pedal rotation and increase the distance travelled, is this what you meant?

Edited April 17, 2013 by Beefchops

[CalopS]

I just meant if he is injured then sticking to something like 22/18 might be best for him as it's an easier gear but I'd say the optimal gear ratio for a Foreplay would be 22/16 or 15.

I guess I don't know much about hamstring injuries so I might be talking rubbish.

[psiron]

lowering the gear increases pedal rotation and shortens distance covered by the wheels, or from starting position,( ie weak foot at 1 o clock) less wheel lift and better balance for the all important pedal kick.

Cyclist's, especially road racers suffer from a shortening of the hamstrings. which in most cases can be remedied by stretching. In my case as i was working as a cycle courier in London, stretching was'nt allways practical and after years of doing it..... etc.

Thanks again to everyone who contributed to this topic, your views have certainly influenced my decision on changing the gear ratio on my FP.

[OAndrews]

what should i used on my mod? i currently use 17-12 but i really struggle with things like pedal ups etc

[isitafox]

18-12 on a mod