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I think traditionally you have one that is too low, one that is too high and one that is slightly too high or low.
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I'm pretty sure the ratios are 4:3, 1:1, 3:4 giving uneven steps between gears (epicyclic gear box).
It might be worth checking the maths - 46/19 should give 87 65 and 49GI which could be quite usable, depending on the full implications of "a girl who isn't a very good cyclist".
I'm finding 91 69 and 51GI about right (55 yr old / 85 kg male on the Clee Hills) but given how cheap and easy it is to change the sprocket (search YouTube, disconnect cable, remove wheel, remove spring clip, take old sprocket off, place new sprocket on, replace spring clip, replace wheel, reconnect cable, adjust cable) I'd be tempted to leave the front end and tinker with sprocket sizes until your girl is comfortable and approves - there's little point in gearing you think is correct if it doesn't get used (voice of experience - Mrs. E and myself disagree significantly over ratios and correct use of gears)
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Dramatic_Hammer
MrE
@clipon
how do I gear a sturmey archer aw3? up and down are +/-33% so if I have for instance 48/17 then gear 3 is 100GI. If I lower the direct drive so the top is more useable am I just going to want to be between gears all the time?
Its actually not for me its for a girl who isn't a very good cyclist. I've got a 19t cog on it now so I thought 46t front, 65GI is a bit low but then change up to go down hills and straights...
does that sound reasonable?
I have no idea how to use gears, are you supposed to start in 1st and go up through them all and use the top at normal cruising speed ? Or do you just leave it 2nd unless going up and down big hills?