NMMM700
New member
I have a question about gearing. A 19/40 and 20/42 have about the same gear ratio. So what would be the advantage to going with either a smaller gear on top vs. a larger gear on the bottom if they achieve near the same final ratio? The current gear ratio I have now is a 20/40 and looking to gear down for better mountain riding and am wondering which is the better set-up.
ModMMax
New member
I'm using 19/42 on my SRX. Last sled was a non power valve 700. Used 20/42 on it. I was led to beleive that the idea mountain ratio was between 2.1 and 2.2 with 9 tooth drivers. Hope this helps you.
NMMM700
New member
Thanks for the reply ModMMax. I am using 8 tooth drivers which changes the ratios you are using. I was wondering though if there is any benefit to using a smaller gear on top vs. using a larger gear on the bottom if the ratio is about the same.
ModMMax
New member
Yes there is an advantage to keeping the gears as big as possible, both top and bottom. The bigger the gear the more teeth contact the chain. The common thinking is to avoid the 18 tooth top gear. Apparently it is so small that it will fracture. Hope this helps you.