Dear Dan:
You'll love Vermont! How low a gear you need always depends. I went when I was young and strong with a 42x26 low gear. I was in a bike shop the first evening buying a 14x34 fw and a VXGT to shift it. Of course I was pretty heavy back then (and yes, smarty pantses, even heavier now), and never a good climber. My buddy the former jockey floated up the hills all trip with a 39x24 on his green metallic Assenmacher.
I've used an SLJ on a 30 tooth cog with okay results, only some sag on the little little combo. 28 is obviously no problem. Cog clearance isn't a problem with the Simplex rears, chain wrap is the only thing to worry about.
BTW, Harris Cyclery lists a 38 tooth ring for Stronglight cranks for about $32. Not that much more than a freewheel and new chain would cost you---.
Have fun!
Tom Adams, Shrewsbury NJ
>From: Daniel Swords
>To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
>Subject: [CR]Using a Simplex Super LJ in the Mountains
>Date: Sun, 29 Feb 2004 19:30:35 -0800 (PST)
>
>Help,
>
>I am planning a three day bike ride in Vermont in May. My best bike is my 72 PX-10 with Simplex Super LJ derailleurs. I won't have the money to change the chainrings (45/52 I believe) so what is the largest freewheel sprocket that I should attempt to use? Also, anybody have any good sources of 5 speed freewheels?
>
>Daniel S. Swords
>New Orleans, LA (i.e. the flatlands)
>
>
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