fisherr Posted December 15, 2014 Report Share Posted December 15, 2014 Hi guys, Could you help guide me with regard to the following? I have been given the option of buying a bike for a good price with the following gearing ratio 53/39 - 12/25 (11 speed). I know on my Boardman I am running a 50/34 - 11/32 (9 speed) bar loosing weight and training my legs hard as an amateur is the 53/39 - 12/25 going to be a none goer re hill climbing in Wales/Lake District. Sorry if I sound like an amateur (but I am one) Thanks in advance. Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyS Posted December 15, 2014 Report Share Posted December 15, 2014 Briefly, no! On the other hand, we all have the same bottom gear of 24 inches aka two feet :-) Seriously, you'll be walking up Lake District climbs unless you're very young and very fit. You could replace the cassette with a bigger bottom sprocket but unless you replace the 53/39 with a compact then you're still going to struggle. That of course would negate any saving you get doing a deal on the new bike. On second thoughts, when I was your age I toured Wales and also Devon and Cornwall on something like 46x23, complete with saddlebag. Ah, we were tough then, eh lads? :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fisherr Posted December 15, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 15, 2014 Hi Tony, Really appreciate the feedback. The bike I was looking at was a Ridley Helium SL. It is a second hand team bike from Lotto Belisol being sold by Merlin Cycles. Thanks again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyS Posted December 16, 2014 Report Share Posted December 16, 2014 Richard, don't let me put you off getting the bike if you really want it. After all, you could still use the Boardman to go round the Fred Whitton Challenge. Pose factor not as good, but passing other folk walking up Hardknott definitely scores points! Just remember to get out of the saddle on the steepest bits, otherwise you'll have the front wheel over your head Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisP Posted December 16, 2014 Report Share Posted December 16, 2014 Hi Richard, for the sportives I've ridden this year I still use a 39/52 chain set and 10 speed cassette 12/27 or 12/30. The 30 sprocket runs OK with a short rear gear hanger. Only use the big ring down hill and with the wind. Not to sure about climbing in the Lake District but ok for the Malverns, Cotswold, Ludlow and into Wales. The Ridley looks great may be pick up a cheap compact if needed. regards, Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick Hazlewood Posted December 17, 2014 Report Share Posted December 17, 2014 Hi Richard, If you are buying the Ridley direct from Merlin you could always ask them to change the chainset for you and at what cost bearing in mind if it's a new bike they could put the 53/39 chainset into stock. Alternatively purchase the bike, buy and sell chain sets on EBay and you won't loose any money as regards cassette you can purchase a new one with bigger sprockets for really hilly sportive and swop when required. I have a Ridley road bike and find it an excellent machine where I run a compact chainset with two pairs of wheels, one with 12/21 and the other with 12/27. Climb anything. Mick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgbob Posted December 17, 2014 Report Share Posted December 17, 2014 Hi Richard On hilly terrain like the alps, I use a compact 56/42 up front and a 11-17T seven speed rear with wide spacing so I can fit a motorbike chain On flat terrain, I use a single 11T on rear and a modified steel dustbin lid up front with about 200T. If you decide to use this combination, make sure you lift your saddle up otherwise you will give yourself a nasty injury ... One advantage of this combination is that at the recommended 90/100 rpm you will be doing twice the speed of sound! Big Gear Bob :Christmas Smile: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick Hazlewood Posted December 17, 2014 Report Share Posted December 17, 2014 You are Unique. BGB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Barker Posted December 22, 2014 Report Share Posted December 22, 2014 :lol2Xmas: @ Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs DAVIES Posted December 23, 2014 Report Share Posted December 23, 2014 I once rode the lake district on a 52/42. Probably because I didn't know any better! I had to dig deep and stand on the climbs. Realised they were double arrowed when I returned to Ambleside and consulted the map. Love my compact now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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