finding the magic gear

[bfloyd6969]

This may sound like a strange question but, is there a formual of some sort to find the "magic gear" to run on a non-specific ss frame with standard vertical drop-outs? Maybe something like: chain stay length / pie(3.14) / gear ratio. Or something silly like that:) Or is the only way to put on the gears and find out by hit and miss? Thanks.

[rockhound]

Find out your chainstay length and do a Google search.

Or look for others with the same frame who might just know...what frame do you have?

[Hand/of/Midas]

http://63xc.com/toddp/halflink.htm

this is one guys take on it. give it a read.

[bfloyd6969]

Find out your chainstay length and do a Google search.

Or look for others with the same frame who might just know...what frame do you have?

Thanks for the link (no punn intended).

I have the Motobecane HT300, 19" (2007 model).

[myron]

422.5 is the magic length for 32/18

[bfloyd6969]

According to the mfg. website, the chain stay lenth is 16.73 in. Anyone with the same length?

[myron]

According to the mfg. website, the chain stay lenth is 16.73 in. Anyone with the same length?

thats 425mm, or so. I did a convert on a bike like that once. 34/16 I think worked, but not great. It was very loose after the chain wore in.

[bfloyd6969]

thats 425mm, or so. I did a convert on a bike like that once. 34/16 I think worked, but not great. It was very loose after the chain wore in.

So maybe 34/16 and use a half link once the chain wears in???

[myron]

So maybe 34/16 and use a half link once the chain wears in???

That didn't work either, a half link takes out a full link, it just makes it possible to connect two of the same links.

When you get lucky, and magic gears work, they work well, other than that they can be a pain. The $40(ish) dollar 19" nashbar frame works perfect. Slightly tight with a new chain, perfect once broken in. 32/18