Presently have Dalesman with 26/36/48 chainset and 12-32 rear cassette it's all Shimano stuff. It has done 7-8k of fully loaded touring miles. No problems at all with bike transmission feels good it's been well looked after. This May I intend to go up over Spain/Pyrenees and back home. I am a little bit nervous about my legs/age for the hills and felt I should change the chainset to 22/32/44. I have a number of concerns I need reassurance/advice about and I have to be carefull about costs.
1. Will the FD cope with the smaller chainset.(approx £60)
2. Would just changing the 26 cog to a 22 be ok and could the FD cope without a rubbish gear change(approx £15)
3. If I change the chainset have I got to change the chain and rear cassette.(another approx £30-40)
4 If I have to change the rear cassette will my RD cope with a 12-36
Lots of questions any advice welcome.
1. Will the FD cope with the smaller chainset.(approx £60)
2. Would just changing the 26 cog to a 22 be ok and could the FD cope without a rubbish gear change(approx £15)
3. If I change the chainset have I got to change the chain and rear cassette.(another approx £30-40)
4 If I have to change the rear cassette will my RD cope with a 12-36
Lots of questions any advice welcome.