New ike Pix

[Kathi]

She is absolutely beautiful, but it seems like the top end of your gearing is awful low. I ran your numbers through the sheldon brown site and it seems your top gear ratio is only 90. Why did you choose a 48 vs a 50 ring in front? That would help a little. I have a 50/34 compact double and the shifting is just fine on it, and I have it paired with a 12/27 rear, so for me even the 50/13 would be a tad low for the high end. If you swapped your 48 for a 50 you wouldn't compromise your low end but could get a bit more of a high end. But, what is important is that you chose gears that work best for your body! Do enjoy her, she is absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When we chose the gearing back in the spring we didn't know how well my knee would be healed when the bike came so we chose a gearing that wouldn't push the it too much.

Since the knee is still "talking to me" the 48 was a good choice.

[Triskeliongirl]

Do know that if you ever feel the need, its not a big deal to swap out that 48 for a 50. Also, be aware that sometimes knee problems can be fixed with saddle height adjustments, and cleat positioning and/or increasing float. I know since I did all of the above! I like speedplay pedals with lots of float, and even then my cleats have to be mounted just right, and my saddle has to be high enough or I get knee pain. My recommendation to use the 50 shouldn't effect anything, since you won't compromise on your low range, but you'd have another high gear to not spin out on descents or in a tail wind, which also shouldn't bother your knee.

[Cassandra_Cain]

Wow! That is a stunning bike, I absolutely love the colors and the lines are great.

Happy riding and congratz

[Kathi]

Do know that if you ever feel the need, its not a big deal to swap out that 48 for a 50. Also, be aware that sometimes knee problems can be fixed with saddle height adjustments, and cleat positioning and/or increasing float. I know since I did all of the above! I like speedplay pedals with lots of float, and even then my cleats have to be mounted just right, and my saddle has to be high enough or I get knee pain. My recommendation to use the 50 shouldn't effect anything, since you won't compromise on your low range, but you'd have another high gear to not spin out on descents or in a tail wind, which also shouldn't bother your knee.

Thanks but my knee problem is recovering from ACL surgery in Feb. It's getting stronger but still has not regained the strength of my uninjured leg. And yes, I know that I can go with a 50, I plan to do that when my knee regains its full strength. Dr. says it's a year until it's fully healed.