So, how much torque will I loose with a 36 or 40?
I wouldnt mind pedal assisting uphill.
How fast would i need to get going in order to engage the engine? I need to know, because there are steep hills around my area.
I have one bike that has a 41T on it and it also does very good on the hills only issue I have with the 41T is that it is only comfortable to ride at 25-27MPH above 27MPH the vibes get uncomfortable with my engine.
With my other bikes that have the 34T and the 36T I can cruise real comfortably @ 30-32MPH and top out 38+MPH for a short distance.
Very steep long hills will take away from the speed pretty quick with a completely stock engine and exhaust, If you're a lite weight 150lb or less it wont be as bad as with someone like myself that weighs 200lbs.
Question: Do you have a upgraded exhaust? (Expansion Chamber) or Homeade Unrestricted set up?
Is the carb. rejetted and tuned well?
These 2 things will make a big difference in what you can get away with on the sprocket size.
I'd say if the Hills around you are very steep and long and you have some mods done to the engine, go with the 38T if you dont mind a bit of peddling at the top possibly, or go with the 40T and you will have a bit less peddling probably but you will loose a couple MPH cruising speed as well, 38-40T is probably about the best all around # for most peoples situations, but I like my 36T the best out of all I have.
Peace, map