 You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
as above, time to change my 1x9 set up and want to go back to a 2x9. getting a bit older and fatter these days and would like to make the climbing a bit easier on the knees. what gear ratios would help me out.
cheers.
Surely this is a purely subjective question. Totally depends on how strong and fit you are and how long and steep the climb is.
Personally only running 2 chainrings with a 9 speed block I would run 22 and 32, with a 11-32 cassette at the back. But as I say that would be my personal choice. I'd imagine some people would never use a gear as light as 22-32 and some people would want a bigger large ribg at the front due to the places they ride being more open and faster than my local joints.
A granny ring?
Try some deep squats and lunges to build up/maintain leg strength dont let age bother you, on the plus side if you build/maintain your leg strength you may keep the fat away !
Surely this is a purely subjective question. Totally depends on how strong and fit you are and how long and steep the climb is.
^This.
The only "correct" ratio is the one that you can spin comfortably to get you up there!!
what gear ratio for long steep climbs
It's always one with 50% less gear inches than your lowest gear.
I would use a 53 up front running a single ring with a road cassette at the back.
One that works.
There's no magic gear.
Just like there's no magic tyre, no magic tyre pressure etc etc etc.......
In the main if you are riding long rides with long climbs often(and poss a trail full suss) just wang a triple on or 36/22/bash. No need to suffer! If fitness dictates otherwise start shedding rings you don't use. Plus when the 9sp stuff wears out you can use the big ratio cassettes on offer with 10sp and start the dilemma again!
32/16
chilled, tang, rorsch, thanks for the advice 😉