divide the rear sprocket by the countershaft sprocket to obtain your gear ratio. Example 45/14=3.214
45/13=3.461
43/13=3.30
42/13=3.23
As you can see the 42 13 combo has almost the same ratio as the 45 14 set. The higher number ratio yields more torque and less topend speed and just the opposite for a lower ratio.
Good info there... I wrote that down in my notes. BUT... can someone tell me or describe to me in a seat-of-the-pants sort of way to explain what difference I will feel between the 13/45(3.46) gearing I have now and the 14/47(3.36) stock ratio? Basically... what is 1 tenth difference gonna feel like if I would feel it at all? How many teeth or how much of a ratio amount do I have to change before it is REALLY noticeable?
Let me put it this way... The feeling I am getting regarding the gearing issue is that it is some mysterious and magical thing that no man can suggest a gearing for another man and you must be able to afford to waste money on various sprockets to figure it out for yourself. REALLY? All I want is a gearing that works decent haulin' ass in the woods but also works decent for haulin' ass in the open... whats so hard about that? Or is the truth that we are all as ignorant of what gearing to select as I am? What do you wide open desert riders that ride with your balls in your throat at 70mph+ run? What do you guys that RIP through the woods dodging trees and tree limbs at a blurry pace run? And WTF is the middle ground? Is there anyone that is an AGGRESSIVE rider in both WOODS and DUNES with experience with gearing? I wanna talk to THAT guy so I can put this s**t to rest. Forgive me if I sound testy, but I am. Choosing a chain/sprocket/gearing combo has turned out to be quite the ordeal and I just want this s**t over with. I cant be the only one this confused and frustrated by trying to understand this s**t so hopefully my headache will help others in the future as well. I get the math. Math is easy. Now somebody help me turn the math(numbers) into seat of the pants. I just need a gear ratio that will suit an aggressive rider in various terrain. And yes, sometimes my frustration gets the best of me.
You guys have no idea how much time I have between the computer and catalogs trying to figure this s**t out. I do appreciate you guys' help and info. Its not like I have anyone else to help me with this crap.
-G