new groupset - understanding gear ratios

justo

I'm buying a new group-set for a new frame and I want to get the gear ratio right.

My current gear set-up suits me fine for 32 kms commute and I'd like to replicate this on the new bike, but with the addition of a 'granny gear' as the new bike will be used for longer cycles with more hills.

What teeth should I be counting on my current gear set-up and what should be added to my new group-set? In other words, how do I make sure I'm ordering the correct gear ratio?

I'm thinking of Campagnolo Athena btw.

AstraMonti

I might have not understood you correctly but I don't think you can a get a triple on the Athena. You could though get a compact 50/34 with a 12/29 cassette that would be more than enough for hills.

justo

AstraMonti wrote: »

I might have not understood you correctly but I don't think you can a get a triple on the Athena. You could though get a compact 50/34 with a 12/29 cassette that would be more than enough for hills.

Thanks.

I'm not looking for a triple. I just need to replicate my double cassette 8 speed, with a little more flexibility for big climbs. Dumb q, but could you breakdown the '50/34 with a 12/29 cassette'?

What exactly does this refer to?

AstraMonti

It's the number of the teeth on the chainset and on the cassette. The less teeth you have in front and the more in the back the easier you can spin the pedals. For Athena you can't get any easier than 34 and 29, which will mean the small ring in front and the biggest on the back.

TinyExplosions

As usual, Sheldon has the answers you need... you can plug in your current setup and find out if Athena gets you what you need