Gearing-up! - Gears

The standard gearing on a Boardman Team Carbon is 50/34 (called a compact chain-set as it gives a wider gear range than the standard 53/39 and almost as wide as a triple which has 3 cogs) on the front and 12/25 10 speed on the rear.

As many cyclist will have found out (especially in a hilly area such as Cornwall) this gearing is plenty hi enough, and for those of us over 40 probably a bit too high!  with is in mind i have equipped my machine with a 11/28 cassette on the rear, this gives me essentially an extra gear at either end of the original range, easier to peddle up the hills and fast down hill... win win...   well there is a little trade-off, the changing is not quite as smooth as there is a greater tooth difference between gears but its worth it as even if its only psychological knowing there is one more gear really makes a big difference.