Stock sprockets for touring?

Alright guys, going on a europe trip in may and decided to replace the chain and sprocket before I go. Now i'm wondering whether I should buy the standard set up 15/45 or perhaps go for something to lower the revs a little and give me a better MPG?

I know sprockets have been done to death on this forum but I just want to know some of your touring experiences with different set ups.


Cheers.

[embee]

My curvy SVS stock gearing was 15/44 and I went up one at the g/box to 16/44 and it is definitely more pleasant for distance work IMO. It puts the higher gears more or less half-way up a gear if you like, so 5th is now half way between the std 5th and 6th. It still just fitted with a std length chain.

I always looked for "7th" before, but don't with the 16T sprocket.

To be honest you'll probably not notice any measurable change in mpg, but it's definitely more relaxed if that appeals.

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by embee

My curvy SVS stock gearing was 15/44 and I went up one at the g/box to 16/44 and it is definitely more pleasant for distance work IMO. It puts the higher gears more or less half-way up a gear if you like, so 5th is now half way between the std 5th and 6th. It still just fitted with a std length chain.

I always looked for "7th" before, but don't with the 16T sprocket.

To be honest you'll probably not notice any measurable change in mpg, but it's definitely more relaxed if that appeals.

+1 for an extra tooth on the front sprocket, as above.

Less vibes through the bars at the legal limit

Ahh, nice one guys, so no change of the rear sprocket?

[maviczap]

Nope, I didn't bother

In that case, my rear sprocket was only changed about 1500 miles ago, should I leave it and just change the chain and front sprocket?

[maviczap]

Yep, just leave the rear sprocket on, 1500 miles isn't much.

Just change the chain & front

I would put what ever gearing you like to use on a day to day basis. It's always worth remembering that your trip will be only a week or 2 in a whole year. Plus you won't notice any major difference in mpg.

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by chris SVK3

I would put what ever gearing you like to use on a day to day basis. It's always worth remembering that your trip will be only a week or 2 in a whole year. Plus you won't notice any major difference in mpg.

He will when it comes to revs and comfort, I noticed the difference straight away. He can always revert back to stock after his trip.

Depends on the trip though. The trips I do involve go down the motorway straight to alps then spend a week on the mountain roads. Then blast back motorway and I tend go up 2 teeth on the rear and it takes the revs up by 500 or so. Which I can live as nothing will make leharve to courmayer an enjoyable ride.