Ask the Editors: Gear Ratios and Warriors
To briefly recap the wonderful world of gearing:
Larger front sprocket = increased top speed/ weaker acceleration
Smaller front sprocket = increased acceleration/ decreased top speed
Larger rear sprocket = increased acceleration/ decreased top speed
Smaller rear sprocket = decreased acceleration/ increased top speed
Taller rear tire = increased top speed/ decreased acceleration
Shorter rear tire = increased acceleration/ decreased top speed
1″ @ the rear tire roughly translates to 2 teeth on the rear sprocket
2-3 teeth on the rear sprocket roughly translates to 1 tooth on the front sprocket
“Taller” ratio means going for top speed/ weaker acceleration (smaller numerically)
“Shorter” ratios mean decreased top speed/ stronger acceleration, (larger numerically)
To answer your question- since it is easier to change and you have more control (because there are more teeth) we would actually start by changing out the rear sprocket to one with 2-3 fewer teeth.
Our guide to gear ratios can be found anytime by clicking here.
