Cycling UK Forum

I'm building a cheap bike that's easier on the hills.

Standard alloy road frame.

Any potential pitfalls apart from the old double / triple debate?

Compact double (34/50)

2300 STI shifters 2x8

2300 Front mech

Acera M360 8 speed rear mech

HG41 8 Speed 11-30 cassette

I've just done something similar. But my gearing somewhat lower overall than what you have there.
I.E.
C/Ws 26/40 F/W 13-30 six speed. 27" wheels.

So a gear range from aprox. 23" to aprox. 83"

The top gear is great for just bimbling along on the level and the bottom gear gets me up all but the most extreme inclines.

A properly used mountain bike needs only low gears. Gravity takes care of all the speed work.

For my 2p worth..... a good choice to go for no more than an 8 speed cassette!

I think it will all just work. If I was nitpicking I'd suggest that the FD probably isn't quite perfect for that chainset and that the RD was a bit on the floppy/early pulley wear side but in reality I expect it all to just work and work quite well.

cheers

Only problem I have with the 50 / 34 is that the drop down to too great for keeping cadence except for when you hit a wall off a hill.

You end up having to drop down the front and drop down at the back to keep a similar cadence unless the hill goes skywards.

8spd is cheap and reliable if a bit clunky compared to 9 or 10 speed.

Cheers James

All done now, seems to work pretty well on the bike stand.

Fitted with 26c tyres, still plenty of clearance for mudguards, plus it has rack mounts. All came in at under £100 (including the original bike from ebay).

I can always swap the 34 inner ring for a 36 if needed.

Looks nice