Current Projects chat and miscellany

You get 256% instead of 177%, if you go with the SRF 5 (W). It basically equates to an extra gear either side. (If you dont mind the extra 1/2 kg, Alfine 8's can be found for the same price though.)

42:16 with 700x32 tyres.

SRF3
53.2"
70.9"
94,5"

SRF5
44.3"
53.3"
70.9"
94.5"
113.4"

Using a SRF5, and swapping to a 17 tooth sprocket gives 3 more usable mid gears (IMHO). With a better climbing gear, and a top gear that would actually get used (113.4" is a touch high IMO).

SRF5 (with 17t sprocket)
41.7"
50.0"
66.7"
88.9"
106.7"

That^ would be my chioce. But it depends on how much of a range you think she'll need. I personally think 54" is a big climbing gear, and that 42" would be apprieciated.

That is really helpful, exactly the info i needed, thank you!

I think the 5 speed would be a bit pointless if the range of gears is that wide, i was assuming the range would be more like an old 5 speed freewheel, we did look into and think about a single speed but she lives on a pretty big hill (well 2 actually) and she some times joins me on some longer rides on country lanes so i could be a struggle sometimes, so she could at least make it up and pedal down the hills with a 3 speed but then still have a nice simple reliable bike.

Actually the original plan before i found the charge was to set up a nice road frame as a 5 speed with an old school mtb index shifter on the bars, but as i'm sure many people here know derailleur gears could possible go tits up on a commuter style bike