I have a 32t sprocket paired with a Shimano Nexus 8 sp hub. I need at least 2 more lower gears and I was wondering if I could change out the sprocket? If so, what is recommended for lower gearing for hills? Thanks in advance.
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I have a 32t sprocket paired with a Shimano Nexus 8 sp hub. I need at least 2 more lower gears and I was wondering if I could change out the sprocket? If so, what is recommended for lower gearing for hills? Thanks in advance.
Wanted to add, here are the specs on the bike and on the Shimano Nexus hub. :)
Do you mean the front or rear sprocket? According to the Nexus info, the rear hub has options for 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, or 23 tooth sprockets. You could swap out the rear sprocket for something larger to get lower gears. Or you could switch to a smaller front chainring - though there's a good chance your crankset is not made to swap chainrings. Do you use all of your high-end gears? If you currently use all of the high gears, then swapping the sprocket will give you more at the low end but less at the high end. If you never use all the high gears, then swapping sprockets would work for you. Swapping the rear sprocket will be a cheaper solution.
DebW, thanks! I don't use all the gears--mostly 1-6. Since I live in really hilly area, I'd like to be able to do more with this bike. If I've calculated it right, I went by my 26" mtb gearing for this area and it seems as though the 22 T sprocket would be about equal to my middle front chain ring/middle rear cassette gearing on my mtb. I went to Sheldon Brown's website and used his calculator for internal hub gearing.
Also went to mtbr.com and read what the mtb'ers are using for hills and the most popular is 22T.
So for about $14 bucks or so, I can change out the rear sprocket. :)
If I remember correctly, the rear cassette runs 11-32 or 12-32 for an eight speed rear wheel. So , it would appear to me that you would need to change one of your front rings to get a lower gear. I think if all options were available, then changing the cassette(rear)is a better choice, although I know that none of my suppliers sell a 11-34 cassette for an 8 speed rear wheel. Perhaps you could check in your area as well...otherwise change the a front ring.
Good luck!:D