19-10-2018, 06:59 PM
(This post was last modified: 19-10-2018, 07:05 PM by Oxford Jack.)
Hello Hugh,
A slight correction to Charles reply, I have an AB intermediate gear set, not an 'Andes' which as I understand it refers only to the three speed box others have mentioned in this thread.
My RP has a standard back axle and runs on 17" wheels, so relatively close to your Opal configuration. The intermediate gear set raises 1, 2, and 3rd gear leaving top as it was. I find that 1st is absolutely fine for hill starts, unless very fully loaded, when a bit more welly will be required. On the flat, two up, I can easily pull away in 2nd. Where it excels is accelerating in 3rd to an easy 35+, when changing into top the engine does not bog down. The change down from top to 3rd is at a better speed for maintaining momentum and momentum is what driving the 7 is all about.
I should add that on tour with a full set of spares, luggage and 2 up my RP has been weighed at around 950kgs, no lightweight then. Those long uphill slogs in third because a change into top would result in a loss of speed are no longer an issue, unless the hill is v.steep when 3rd is now a higher option. I think you would not regret the change.
A slight correction to Charles reply, I have an AB intermediate gear set, not an 'Andes' which as I understand it refers only to the three speed box others have mentioned in this thread.
My RP has a standard back axle and runs on 17" wheels, so relatively close to your Opal configuration. The intermediate gear set raises 1, 2, and 3rd gear leaving top as it was. I find that 1st is absolutely fine for hill starts, unless very fully loaded, when a bit more welly will be required. On the flat, two up, I can easily pull away in 2nd. Where it excels is accelerating in 3rd to an easy 35+, when changing into top the engine does not bog down. The change down from top to 3rd is at a better speed for maintaining momentum and momentum is what driving the 7 is all about.
I should add that on tour with a full set of spares, luggage and 2 up my RP has been weighed at around 950kgs, no lightweight then. Those long uphill slogs in third because a change into top would result in a loss of speed are no longer an issue, unless the hill is v.steep when 3rd is now a higher option. I think you would not regret the change.