[Yak] Capreo versus standard 9 speed cassette

[Geof Gee]

=-=-=-=-=  John Allen wrote =-=-=-=-=-=

A crankset with a 110 mm bolt circle will allow chainrings down to 34 teeth, and so with a 32 or 34-tooth cog on the back, you are getting a low gear around 20 inches. 53 and 54-tooth chainrings with this bolt circle are made, see http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/chainrings/110.html

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That is right.  I suggested the compact crank since ...

(1) high quality 50/34 ramped and pinned chainrings and the appropriate front derailers are readily available which is noticeably helpful with STI.

(2) the bike is for touring, a low 20" gear is a real perk if heavily loaded.

(3) the referenced triple was a 50/39/30 so the same top end would be available ... 105 or so gear inches 

Of course, if 34t chainring isn't low enough with your 110 BCD double, you can shell out $50 for a 33t chainring ...

http://harriscyclery.net/product/ta-ta-110-bcd-chainring-33-teeth-1420.htm

There is at least one recumbent that takes this strategy ... 

http://www.ice.hpv.co.uk/bikes/b1.htm