How do I get higher gears

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parton84

New Member
Hi I'm a bit of a novice and don't know alot about bikes. I have a GT zum s2 that I use to get to work and back and I want higher gears. I've got an 8 speed system with a triple chainset at the front think the largest 48 teeth and I've never used the small one. Is a new chain set the best option? Will any Triple chainset design for 8 speeds fit? And would I need anything else?
 
The cheapest and easiest option may be to put a smaller cassette on the rear. However if its smallest sprocket has 11 teeth; I don't know if you can go smaller. The next step as you hinted is as you have hinted to go for a larger chainset (i'.e more than 48 teeth). Or ideally if you can afford it/ have space go for a second higher geared bike (preferably road IMO) and keep the GT for steep off road stuff.
 
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parton84

New Member
Chears it's a hybrid and not much use off road and I think I need the cheaper options. Think it's already got 11 at the back. Will any 8 speed triple chainsets fit and do you need any specialist tools to fit them
 

Hacienda71

Mancunian in self imposed exile in leafy Cheshire
11 rear to 48 on the front will give you a very high speed before you spin out, you may need to increase your cadence (speed you pedal) rather than change your gears.
 

cyberknight

As long as I breathe, I attack.
You will have to explain a bit more.

Do you use the gears that are easier to pedal up hill or the ones that are harder and faster on the fast?

I assume you mean you do not use the easy gears?
If so what speed do you pedal at ? most say the optimum is around 70-90 rpm .

If you still need faster gears you would need to get a cassette with a higher range of gears as that is a lot easier than changing the chainrings.Probably best to get a bike shop to change it if you have not got the tools or the know how.Would be around £30 for the part , not sure what range your gears have but this might work?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_249406_langId_-1_categoryId_165540#dtab

Quoting halfords parts as its a halfords bike but any bike shop should do it quicker and probably cheaper.Personally i would look at your leg speed before changing anything else.
 

cyberknight

As long as I breathe, I attack.
Hacienda71 said:
11 rear to 48 on the front will give you a very high speed before you spin out, you may need to increase your cadence (speed you pedal) rather than change your gears.

Indeed i run a similar range on my subway and i only hit the 11 cog downhill i can spin 48x13 at 20 mph comfortably
 
parton84 said:
Chears it's a hybrid and not much use off road and I think I need the cheaper options. Think it's already got 11 at the back. Will any 8 speed triple chainsets fit and do you need any specialist tools to fit them
Depends on your bike the level of tools needed, a crank puller etc. This guide is for removing cotterless crank which I think your bike will be. Tbh a lbs would probably see you best.
 
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parton84

New Member
I was cycling down a slight hill the other day in top gear with my legs going like billio, feeling like they weren't having an effect doing 30.6 mph, Surley I shoud be able to pedal faster than this. I will check my teeth tomorrow and get back to you's. Thanks for the advice so far guys
 

cyberknight

As long as I breathe, I attack.
Hit 37 mph with the same gearing .
 

Cyclist33

Guest
Location
Warrington
parton84 said:
Chears it's a hybrid and not much use off road and I think I need the cheaper options. Think it's already got 11 at the back. Will any 8 speed triple chainsets fit and do you need any specialist tools to fit them

Hey mate, the GT Zum should be fine off road, from what I saw in Halfords they come with 26 x 1.75 inch semi slicks, they would be fine for light off road and you could fit proper mountain bike tyres if you wanted more tread. That would slow you down on roads and then the gears you already have might feel more appropriate.

The Zum 2 has hydraulic disc brakes with a big front rotor so your off road braking should be fine, too?

In terms of fitting a chainset I can't advise on the tools etc but you need to find out what sort of bottom bracket you have and make sure you get a chainset to fit that. My guess is yours is "square taper" - coz I've got a GT Avalanche and it's pretty similar except for the front suspension. The more teeth on the top chain-ring the higher the gearing on the front gear. I would have thought 48 would be right for that bike to be honest but here's one you could consider: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=41866
 

battered

Guru
I can see nearly 35mph on compact MTB gears (42/11 on 26"?) so unless your name is Hoy you shouldn't run out of gearing unless you have a big hill to help. Nevertheless a bigger ring will see you right. You do need special tools but they aren't very dear, and if the chainwheel is bolted and not riveted you can swap the outer ring without dismantling the bottom bracket. You'll need a 5mm hex key and the special spanner to hold the chainwheel nuts.
 

Matthames

Über Member
Location
East Sussex
I have compact gears on my bike and can see 40mph. Most of my normal riding I tend to use the middle ring, which is a 32 with the full range of the rear 30-11. On a 32/11 with a 26in wheel I can cruise at 20mph quite comfortably and do occasional 25mph bursts.
 

jimboalee

New Member
Location
Solihull
Matthames said:
I have compact gears on my bike and can see 40mph. Most of my normal riding I tend to use the middle ring, which is a 32 with the full range of the rear 30-11. On a 32/11 with a 26in wheel I can cruise at 20mph quite comfortably and do occasional 25mph bursts.

You'll soon be told that a chainring should NOT be coupled with ALL the sprockets.
 

stevepratt48

New Member
Before shelling out for a chainset, have a look around for a chainring?
You'll need to know how many 'crank arms', normally 4 or 5, and the diameter of the fixing bolt 'circle'. You should be able to pick up a 50t outer for much less than a chainset.
If your chain length is set up tight (Unusual) you may need to buy a new chain, or add a couple of links - this would apply to the chainset solution, also. (I've never come across a tight chain on a new bike, but if it's tight it can lock up if you inadvertantly select 'Big/Big)
Stronglight make a good range of reasonable price rings, SJS in Bristol, or chainreactioncycles.com should help.
 

Matthames

Über Member
Location
East Sussex
jimboalee said:
You'll soon be told that a chainring should NOT be coupled with ALL the sprockets.

I only use the full range with the middle chain ring as the angle is less severe than if I was to say use the biggest chain ring and the biggest sprocket.

Btw I don't move onto the biggest chain ring until I am able to use at least the 3rd sprocket.
 
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