What do I need to go from 2 to 3 chain rings ?

[annedonnelly]

I get that the hill is very steep but how long is it? The benefits of the cycle part of your commute might be enough to make a short-ish walk uphill pushing the bike worth your while. And if it's 3am no-one is going to spot you walking!

 

[Profpointy]

Having (quite a long time ago) upgraded my old 10 speed to 15 speed I needed a new bottom bracket with a longer axle (this was needed anyway as the old axle was bent, which is why I took it to bits), new crankset obviously. I think the front changer would cope, but i seem to remember changing the rear changer anyway as I'd put a wider range freewheel on. I seem to remember the original downtube friction shifters being OK - this may or may not be OK depending on what you have

 

[BADGER.BRAD]

I get that the hill is very steep but how long is it?

The hill is the full length of the commute either way or near as dam it , I have a short 1/4 miles up hill then down for about a mile then up hill for about 2 miles the reverse on the way back. So would get no benefit ( exercise wise) on the downhill them have to walk the rest of the way up hill. The idea was originally to park my car in a village on the otherside of the river and then cycle to and from it at the start/end of my working day.This would involve very little on road cycling and save me 8 miles of my commute so not extending my aready long day to much.

 

[annedonnelly]

You need a new job

 

[BADGER.BRAD]

You need a new job

or even better early retirement !