Re: [CR] Gearing ratios

(Example: Framebuilders:Jack Taylor)

In-Reply-To: <29892.25613.qm@web111309.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
References: <mailman.20156.1252260370.344.classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
From: "Mark Fulton" <markfulton5@mac.com>
Date: Mon, 7 Sep 2009 09:15:32 -0700
To: Derrick Bourgeois <kommisar89@yahoo.com>
Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR] Gearing ratios


In the late 1940s and early 50s, when I was racing, and riding with the Franklin BC in Columbus, Ohio, my fellow racers and I had an agreement. On our Sunday rides we'd ride 66" gearing for our impromptu sprints. I cheated a little and rode a 42 x 16 (69"). That was my training ratio. When I raced on the track, I switched to a 52- tooth chain ring (85") and won a lot. With the same maximum RPMs. Over time I learned to shift up and down to maintain my optimum RPMs whatever the terrain. And won road races. I'm still most comfortable with the 69". Although I do spin out some and have to back off to stop 'barrassing butt bounce.

Mark Fulton Going out for a 69" spin this afternoon in Redwood City California USA