Gearing X converted R with 120/90-17 tire in high altitude

I live in 5000ft elevation, and this is my current setup:

Front Sprocket: 13
Rear Sprocket: 44
Rear Tire 120/90-17

I find that it's hard to get the tire spinning even on gravel while in gear (1st or 2nd). No way to get a wheelie done in while gear. The bike feels kinda weak. Also, the 6th gear is useless when cruising at 115kmh, the rpms are too low and I can't make it up hills or against the wind. All I use is 5th right now, often have to shift down into 4th.

I don't care about driving faster than 120kmh. I'd like to have "more power" in the 1st and 2nd for trail riding, and I'd like to be at higher rpms at 115kmh for highway riding.

Any suggestions? I have tried the gearing commander website but I no matter what I try the numbers aren't changing a lot.

Would 12/46 give me what I am looking for? Or maybe a 13/48? Would be nice to be able to keep the 13.

go 13/48, maybe even higher if your wanting better trail riding response.

i have 13/48 and am at your altitude and love it

spacecadet wrote:

go 13/48, maybe even higher if your wanting better trail riding response.

i have 13/48 and am at your altitude and love it

Did you have to get a new (longer) chain for it?
How is 6th gear at 110kmh / 70mph?

i dont know if you have to or not, i did because im a sucker for gold chains.

got a 112 link, so not sure what stock is.

highway is awesome i think, i could cruise all day, 6th is alot more use able.

i go up into the mountains every weekend, which is a decent climb, sometimes going from 5k to 12k altitude and have never had to down shift or move to the slow lane.

Stock is 110. I run 13/47 with a 112 link chain. If you want to try lower gearing, just get a 12t front and try it out. It will cost you $20 and you can use the stock chain. If you like it, go 13/48 in the future when it's time to replace your current chain. Just keep an eye on your chain slider. Some have had issues with premature wear while others haven't.

My stock chain was 108 links.


A 112 link chain is perfect for my 13/48 combo.


I am on an X though.....so maybe the R is a little different.

Alright thanks. Might try the 12/44 combo first (if I can get the sprocket off).

12/44 is prefect for me. Bike feels completely different now. I went for a Sunstar one. Paid thirty bucks

The sprocket came of VERY easily. I didn't even need a tool. I could loosen the nut and pry it off with my fingers. Weird. I put some blue loctite on it, I don't want it to come off by itself. Glad I checked.
I am just not too sure about the chain tension. What is the best way to check it? I can lift the chain up for about an inch to an inch and a quarter when measuring from the top of the plastic on the arm. Took it for a spin, it feels alright. What is too tight?

The other thing I am kinda worried about is, now that the sprocket is smaller, the plastic where the chain glides on, wears out more/faster. Any experience on this?