Math equations are not my strong suit plus first hand experience goes a long way.
Back story: I had a Rockhopper SS 29er a couple years back that I used on mostly XC type flatter trails in my region. I usually had the gearing 32/16 or 32/15 and it felt perfect for me. I could stand up and mash when it was tougher but wasn't spinning too fast in the flats. I sold it to fund a F/S Stumpy to tackle the more knarly daredevil style trails in my area. Well I miss my Rockhopper SS and sold the F/S Stumpy and have the "I don't care if I die as long as I'm having fun" craziness out of my system and would like to go back to my old ways. I have a Stumpy SS 29er on order and I plan to run it 32/16.
In the interim for 2-3 weeks I have a backup Motobecane Outcast SS 29er with stock gearing which is 42/20. I have yet to take this bike to any off road trail. It has been my neighborhood beater/around the block bike. How close would the 42/20 be compared to 32/16 or 32/15 seat of the pants feel? I'm trying to avoid buying a chainring/cogs if this is only gonna be temporary.
Back story: I had a Rockhopper SS 29er a couple years back that I used on mostly XC type flatter trails in my region. I usually had the gearing 32/16 or 32/15 and it felt perfect for me. I could stand up and mash when it was tougher but wasn't spinning too fast in the flats. I sold it to fund a F/S Stumpy to tackle the more knarly daredevil style trails in my area. Well I miss my Rockhopper SS and sold the F/S Stumpy and have the "I don't care if I die as long as I'm having fun" craziness out of my system and would like to go back to my old ways. I have a Stumpy SS 29er on order and I plan to run it 32/16.
In the interim for 2-3 weeks I have a backup Motobecane Outcast SS 29er with stock gearing which is 42/20. I have yet to take this bike to any off road trail. It has been my neighborhood beater/around the block bike. How close would the 42/20 be compared to 32/16 or 32/15 seat of the pants feel? I'm trying to avoid buying a chainring/cogs if this is only gonna be temporary.