Mountain Biking - Need help... Single Speed Ratio?

Hey, i am planning on running my new urban assault bike singlespeed. I am running a rear 24" wheel, so i'm not sure on what ratio to run. I have a front chainring thats a 32 tooth, what should i run on the back? I'm looking for a little faster acceration than a BMX, and a slower top speed obviously.

Thanx for your help.

I would run a 2:1 ratio to start with and see how that goes. So, if you're running a 32 up front, try a 16 in the back to start.

I'm running a 30-15 and it feels pretty good for all around riding. It's a bit stiff for technical riding though. I'm going to try a 29:15 and see how that feels.

Remember, changing the rear by one tooth has a greater impact vs. changing the front.

e.g.: a 30:15 yields a 2:1
Going down one in front (29:15) yields a 1.93:1 probably just right!
Going down two in front (28:15) yields a 1.867:1 too easy!
Up one in the rear (30:16) yields a 1.875:1 in between the two!

While I'm playing around, I'm using my 8-speed freehub with a cassette that I tore apart and a bunch of spacers. It gives me some flexibility to easily change gears until I find what I like. Once I figure out what gear I prefer, I'll probably go buy a single-speed specific hub!

L8R

I'd second the suggestion for the 2:1 ratio as a starting point. If you're doing primarily urban assault I'd imagine you'll end up going slightly lower than that in the end. I too use a normal rear hub with spaccers and swap out cogs to suit the ride and locale. You might want to check the singlespeed section on here as well.

Thats what i've been told at another forum as well. And a freind of mine runs that, i'll have to call him today and test it out

thanx.

I dissent.

Witht he 24" rear wheel, and the Urbas Assault nature of the bike, I would gear it slightly taller.

I think it'll be too spinny geared 2:1

Were it me, I would run a 30 tooth cring up front (for clearance) and a 14 t rear cog.

a bmx uses a 2.75:1 ratio. with a 32 ring up front that would be a 11-12t cog (11.64) to be exact. since you wanted a smaller ratio than bmx standard, you can try and go with a 12t-14t. i run a 28/13 which is 2.15:1. you probably could use a taller gear than that for urban riding (singlespeedster suggested a 30-14 which is 2.14, for your 32t ring 32-15 is about 2.13).

Very informative, thanx. I tested out the 32-16 ratio and it was decent, but still a bit stiff. I could always just make my legs stronger;) I'll try the 32-14 it may be what im looking for. What incriments do normal cassettes go up by?

32-14 would be more stiff, wouldnt it?

Sorry, i must have been thinking backwards :confused: I gues i meant 32-18. Could be too slow though :rolleyes: I'll figure sumfin out.