I am considering getting an eight-speed aluminum folding bike for travel and light touring. Gear inches would range from about 35 to 95. Purpose is to reduce weight and complexity.
My present folder has a range of 22 to 110, and I am virtually never at the low end and rarely at the high.
Opinions appreciated!
Eight-speed touring bike?
Mon, 06/20/2005 - 4:43pm
Mon, 06/20/2005 - 8:16pm
#1
Are you talking 1x8 or using a Nexus 8 hub?
Nexus 8 is inappropriate for touring with camping loads. The low gear is insufficient and the hub will break.
For light touring, it might be ok, but I'd not recommend it.
- Christian
Tue, 06/21/2005 - 5:55am
#2
An 8-speed cassette
"Single chain ring. Like this.
BTW, the max load I would carry is two rear panniers (roughly 18 pounds), no camping gear. Credit card tourist, you know.
The configuration on my current Swift is a three-speed internal hub and eight speed cassette. The hub weighs about two pounds--I'd like to shed it.
If I don't go for the eight speed, the alternative is to have the bike rebuilt on Peter's new aluminum frame.
Bike weight: present steel Swift 24-speed, 26.5 pounds. Aluminum eight-speed, 21 pounds.
Thanks as always, Christian."
Tue, 06/21/2005 - 8:11am
#3
2 other options
"Just purchase another rear wheel that does not contain the internal hub, like here http://www.gaerlan.com
..or check out the 20"" wheel lineup of dahon bikes,
I think your money would be well spent with paying a little bit extra for the Helios XL.
The Dahons fold up more compactly, which is a huge plus.
In all honesty, I don't think one should really be concerned with the weight of the bike performance-wise, especially for a folder. You are better off rolling the bike then carrying a folder any meaningful distance as well.
"
Tue, 06/21/2005 - 4:05pm
#4
"> BTW, the max load I would carry is two rear panniers
>(roughly 18 pounds), no camping gear. Credit card
> tourist, you know.
When I rode in the Dolomites and Alps, I used a Carradice under-seat bag, and carried no more than 12 lbs. I could probably have completed that ride with a bike with a 35"" low gear, but it would have been exceptionally unfun.
For touring, I think I would stick with the Sachs/SRAM DualDrive. The weight penalty seems worth the gearing range and spacing for a touring bike. It might not be the most fleet pony in the stable, but it'll get you there, over hill and dale. But that's just my opinion.
If you are going to go 1x, I'd get a 48t chainring and a 11-34 9sp Shimano cassette. That'd give you gearing of 26.5 - 81.5 inches. That's low enough for paved touring. Over 25mph, you'll just have to coast. :-)
But really, posting about gearing is like dancing about architecture. Proof is in the pudding. Gotta try it and see what you like.
- Christian"
