Granny Gear??

[rebecca_f]

This is going to sound very dumb but I'm not sure how to tell if my Giant Avail has a granny gear which I'm thinking that's a triple crank set? How do you tell?

[SadieKate]

For me, a granny gear usually refers to the combo of having your chain on the smallest of three chainrings (yes, this means a triple crankset) AND the largest cog in the back.

You can also say "I used my granny" meaning simply that you were using the smallest of the 3 chainrings.

[Cataboo]

I just call it being in my smallest chain ring up front.

[txred9876]

I like "granny gear"!!!

It sure comes in handy on some of those hills.

tina

[indigoiis]

My husband keeps threatening to take mine off. He sees it as a weakness.
Typical man.
I see it as power. Power is threatening to a man! LOL.

[Cataboo]

I rarely use mine, much to my BF's dismay. I mash my way up things slowly, while he zips along spinning in his granny gear or middle chain ring.

[rebecca_f]

But how can I tell if my bike has it?

[txred9876]

My husband keeps threatening to take mine off. He sees it as a weakness.
Typical man.
I see it as power. Power is threatening to a man! LOL.

I sure don't think its a weakness.... use what the bike has if thats what it takes. That's what its there for!

One of these days I will use it less and less!

Tina

[SadieKate]

But how can I tell if my bike has it?

Does your bike have a triple crankset? Do you have three rings on between the cranks arms at your feet?

If so, yes.

[txred9876]

But how can I tell if my bike has it?

I was told the lowest gear on the back (sorry I am still learning the lingo) with the smallest of the three rings in the front was granny gear.

[Eden]

mmmmmm - your "granny gear" is going to mean something different to different people... for some it may just be the smallest on whatever crankset they use. Most people use it to refer to the easiest gears on a triple. For others still (especially those who intend to carry heavy loads up steep hills), they may modify a road bike with a long cage front derailleur to allow a smaller front ring and a mt bike cassette on the back to get their "granny gears".

Pretty much the term just kind of grew out of referring to a gear small enough that your granny wouldn't find it difficult.... its not really a specific gear ratio....

[rebecca_f]

Yeah, I understand now, Thanks. Do most road bikes come with a triple crankset?

[txred9876]

[QUOTE=road bike with a long cage front derailleur to allow a smaller front ring and a mt bike cassette on the back to get their "granny gears".
[/QUOTE]

I was told my bike was setup with a mt bike front (3 rings) with a 9 ring back.

Is it strange to have it setup that way?

I have a cannondale dual assault hybrid

tina

[Thorn]

Is it strange to have it setup that way?

Only if it isn't right for you. If it works and it has the gears you want when you need them, then it is "normal" and every one else's bike is "strange".

Double vs. Triple vs. Compact Double....oh dem's fightin' wurds. Mention that and, egads, the discussion board goes nuts--it is a very cycling relgious issue. I don't know what the distribution of bikes vs. crank configuration is--generally, the racier the bike, the more likely it will have a standard double; the more relaxed and targeted at the weekend rider, the more likely it has a triple.

...my bike comes complete with a great granny gear...that is, when I get off and walk it. It has been a while since I had to succomb to using the great granny, but it is always nice to know she's there and waiting....

[Eden]

No - hybrids are generally heavier bikes and often have lower gearing. A triple on the front isn't particular to mt bikes, many road bikes come that way as well, though the standard triple for a road bike is usually in the area of 32, 42, 50 and mt bikes are more like a 22, 32, 42

ack.... no need to fight... different bikes/gearing for different uses.....