When cycling was for real men

[Deleted member 1258]

Yep, standard stuff in the "old days", and as a youth I was riding in Derbyshire. Thinking about it, I don't know how I managed, but I did. Couldn't now though - got 51/39 12-26 these days and it don't 'alf make life easier

These days I run 50/42 with a 12-27 on the geared bike, but do most of my riding fixed on a 46-18 68 inch gear with 165 cranks.

 

[I like Skol]

I remember when a 28:28 MTB gear was a shock low! That's why I am a god at hill climbing today. FFS they run gears like 22:34 now don't they???

 

[cyberknight]

I used to have a 53/42, 12-18 in the early 90's.

Surprisingly I failed to get up Winnats pass on it. Only hill I failed on though. Went up plenty of 20+%'ers on it.

Aaah the good old days, i remember having an apollo "racing " bike made of plain gauge steel with el cheapo aero bars and a 52/42 paired with a 6 speed 13-19 block.I was gutted when it got nicked but i bet the tea leaf got a shock when he tried to ride up a hill

 

[fossyant]

Oh yes yoof. 52 x 42 and 13 x 21 on the back.

Chickened out to 53 x 39 and 13 x 24 now.

No girly compacts

 

[ayceejay]

Perhaps a look at the size of the chain ring Beryl Burton used to push FIXED might add a different perspective over here.

 

[Davidc]

Those were standard ratios back in the 1960s and 70s too. I had an alternative I could fit, a Regina touring block (freewheel) which had a low sprocket of 28, and I had a 12-18 for time trials.

Now I have 22 front 32 rear available for real hills - not as strong, fit or mad as I was then.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Oh yes yoof. 52 x 42 and 13 x 21 on the back.

Chickened out to 53 x 39 and 13 x 24 now.

No girly compacts

I experimented with the 13-21 6 speed block at one point, ran it with a 44x40 on the front, great fun.