Worth switching from 14T to 13T freewheel?

[MastaKebob]

I'm putting a q128h 48v800w rear motor on my 700c wheel. My current freewheel is a 14-38T MegaRange 7speed. My front is a single 44T chainring. I understand that my legs are going to be flailing once my motor is installed and pushing me along. Would switching from a 14-38T MegaRange to a 13-28T freewheel provide noticeable value?

 

[Punx0r]

It will give you a ~7% decrease in pedal cadence for the same road speed.

 

[MastaKebob]

Gotcha, thanks!

 

[motomech]

Unless you are going to be off road most of time, skip the MegaRange and go right to the 11T Epoch DNP.
11T X 44 T will be a decent cadence into the low 20's mph.
Love it or hate it, almost everyone ends up with the Epoch eventually.

http://www.amazon.com/DNP-Epoch-Freewheel-Nickel-Plated/dp/B007A8RWV0/ref=pd_sim_sbs_468_12?ie=UTF8&refRID=14SWTJCW8HQE7Z7RDB90

 

[Raged]

Unless you are going to be off road most of time, skip the MegaRange and go right to the 11T Epoch DNP.
11T X 44 T will be a decent cadence into the low 20's mph.
Love it or hate it, almost everyone ends up with the Epoch eventually.

http://www.amazon.com/DNP-Epoch-Freewheel-Nickel-Plated/dp/B007A8RWV0/ref=pd_sim_sbs_468_12?ie=UTF8&refRID=14SWTJCW8HQE7Z7RDB90

Or get a 48t front chainring.

 

[Punx0r]

Assuming your frame can accommodate it, a larger front chain ring would be my preferred option as 11T rear sprockets are supposed to suffer from rapid wear.

 

[d8veh]

Get a 11T DNP one. I have some for anybody in the UK.

 

[dogman dan]

Do both, If you have a very high quality bike, you can just buy a chain ring and bolt on a 48t front. If you have a very low quality bike, look for a better quality set of cranks, with 48t. The cheap (under $250) bikes have the flimsy thin front gears on them, that won't last through heavy use.

48-14 is still only good for pedaling about 18-20 mph, any more you have a cadence so high it's not really comfortable. 48-11 good for 25 mph cruise.

So depending on your needs, do both. But 18 mph is a really sweet speed to ride if you want maximum range. It's still fast enough to be cool in summer, not so fast you freeze your ass off in winter.

Nothing wrong with 30 mph, and not pedaling, when it's not too cold and you don't need to stretch the range. 8)