[CR] Gearing Advice for Junior Track

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Ideale)

Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2011 12:31:39 -0800
From: "sean flores" <seaneee175@gmail.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR] Gearing Advice for Junior Track


Hey all.

I'm building up a junior Starnord track bike for a friends son. It's come time to decide the gearing and would love some input. Especially from those of you who have/are coaches.

He's a pretty tough kit. Pretty strong, but rides mostly BMX. He's 8 going on 9.

Wheels are 24", with 150mm cranks. Rear hub is double fixed. My initial thoughts were a 42 up front with a 12t and a 15t which would give 84/67 gear inches respectively. Then I reconsidered with a 40t up front for more flexibility, sticking with a 12t and then a 16t which would result in 80/60 options. The 60 gear inch ratio would be the "get used to a fixed wheel" ratio.

Initially it will be used with a front brake to get him used to the idea with the end goal of getting him in a club or program locally.

Would love to hear any thoughts before I go on the hunt for a ring.

I know this is somewhat off topic, but hey, the bike is on topic and there is a great wealth of knowledge on this subject here.

Sean Flores
San Francisco, CA
USA