Originally Posted by
JISO
I'm figuring out the drivetrain for a vintage light tourer.
I'm considering a 26/38/50 Biopace triple up front with an alloy 29T and a steel 15T rear cogs. The resulting gear inch range is 24 to 45 for the large cog and 46 to 88 for the small cog.
The idea is to switch between the two rear cogs manually. This allows the system to run under a single-pulley tensioner without a rear derailleur, so half the pulley drag and good chain alignment. It also allows for a no dish rear wheel for durability.
Does this work? What's the best way to fit two cogs with no dish? Any hub recommendations?
How much weight do you intend to carry whilst touring with this gear combination? How steep or long are the grades or hills you'll encounter?
There's a bicycle store about 15 kilometers from me that had a number of 1/8" three cogs freewheels when I was there last just before Covid hit.
People used to tour on single speeds or three speeds so your proposed setup should work although you might find yourself walking a fair bit. Pushing a loaded touring bike up a hill is no great joy in inclement or hot weather.
Cheers