First long distance geared 36'er ride with KH schlumpf hub

[corbin]

Originally Posted by joemarshall

I find that downshifting going up a hill, you need to get into a stillstand pedals flat position and kick it and just deal with the pedals spinning slightly.

I upshift while riding slowly now. I used to pretty much come to a stop to do it, which was okay with 150 cranks, but not so good on the 125s, I find that it shifts most solidly at about 4 mph or so, when I've got a teeny bit of speed but not much - I think that the little bit of momentum helps the wheel get past the gear change bit and click in very quickly.

One random thing, I find it much harder to shift with a T7 handle, also it is a fair bit easier to shift with my new lightweight 2" road tyre than with the 2.3" big apple.

Joe

I think what works for one person may not work for others

I do find it easier to shift at slower speeds -- it is basically easier to predict when you should move your ankle towards the button.

But, to really be efficient at shifting and riding fast, I find it essential to be able to shift at 10 mph -- both up and downshift. When I hit about 10-11 MPH I tend to upshift -- sometimes I loose a few mph (down to 8) if I miss it a few times. For downshifting, I previously was waiting till I got down to about 5 mph, but I find it better if I start to downshift at 10mph (which is the speed I prefer to keep when going up moderate hills). Each miss causes you to slow down quite a bit and cover a lot of distance when in high gear.

That's just my preference. I haven't ridden at all this week! I really need to get on the guni some more...

-corbin

[phlegm]

Originally Posted by corbin

But, to really be efficient at shifting and riding fast, I find it essential to be able to shift at 10 mph -- both up and downshift.

Yeah, but it seems to be easier to switch from high cadence low gear to low cadence high gear than vice versa. So, I think I prefer to shift up at a higher speed than shifting down.

[tholub]

Originally Posted by joemarshall

One random thing, I find it much harder to shift with a T7 handle, also it is a fair bit easier to shift with my new lightweight 2" road tyre than with the 2.3" big apple.

Joe

Really, what do you think makes the shifting easier on the smaller tire?

[joemarshall]

Originally Posted by tholub

Really, what do you think makes the shifting easier on the smaller tire?

The weight of the tyre + tube is about 33% lower (995+250=1245g vs. 690+140=830g), so it is much easier to keep the wheel spinning in high gear when you shift, it really feels very nice to shift.

Joe

[corbin]

Originally Posted by phlegm

Yeah, but it seems to be easier to switch from high cadence low gear to low cadence high gear than vice versa. So, I think I prefer to shift up at a higher speed than shifting down.

I fully agree!

i still have trouble downshifting.
-corbin