This is a two part question. The first is the bike riding part, the second the partsquestion. Thanks to all who respond!
I have a track bike that I used to love riding on the roads (with a front brake). I now live in Salt Lake City, UT, and find the nicest rides are the climbs up the canyons (please look me up if you ever come to SLC, I'll show you the nice rides). The 49t 18t setup I have is not useful for these climbs.
I am thinking of finding a 30 tooth or so front chainring to use with an 18 tooth rear freewheel to make a dedicated climbing bike. I would then coast down the hills with two brakes on the bike. The question is, has anyone made a set-up like this and if so, how does it work? Any recommendations for gearing? These are hills that I climb nicely with a 42/21 or 39/21, though at times I would prefer a lighter ratio.
Also, my track bike has a stronglight 99 I think it is. This is the crank with an 86bcd bolt patern. The ends of each spider arm are square, and the chainring matches this squarish profile if that makes sense. The question is, do I have a chance of finding small chainrings to fit this? If not, what crank would be good for this application?
Thanks in advance, Dan Kasha SLC Utah
PS bike is an Orbit with Reynolds 500/531 fork. Nothing fancy, but I love the way it rides.
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