12 tooth verse 13 tooth with 38 rear

[ratso]

I'm riding a 65 mile loop with steep climbs and rocky creeks. I have an 06 450er with hrc and rossier system uni filter. I just put the 13 front on and made a couple of loops. The 12 tooth is so much better instant torque and goes through the gears without lugging. The 13 tooth was slugish. I couldn't use 4th where as with the 12 I could. My tires are ITP GNCC holeshots 20-10-9.

[Scro]

For XC racing, I have found that gearing it too low can be more tiring because you are having to switch gears too much. I would rather gear it taller, and stay in first. It also makes power deliver much more smooth.

But, that's just my opinion.

How long is it taking you to make that 65 mile loop?

[ratso]

I can make the loop in an hour and 40 minutes,that includes stoping a few times. I understand where you are coming from with first gear. I like to be in 2nd or 3rd clutch the bike a little and then ride wide open off and on the throttle. In no way could the 450er stay in quick responsive power with the 13 tooth front sprocket.