Southern California - SoCal SS gearing
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YOJiMBO20
10-12-08, 10:24 PM
So my cousin gave me an old Univega that his old roommate's boyfriend left when she (the roommate) moved out. The RD was bent and rusty and I didn't feel like fixing or replacing it so I'm turning it into a SS. I'm considering going 52/18 on the gearing, as I can get most places in that gearing on my road bike (I went about a week without shifting out of my 52/17 to try it out), but I see most SS/FG bikes with smaller rings so I was wondering if I should use the 42 and go 42/18 or 42/16.
Since you are familiar with the kinds of hills we have out here, I figured I'd ask and see what you guys run on your SS if you have one.
efficiency
10-12-08, 10:33 PM
I run a pretty low gear: 42x17. Most people say something like 42x16 is a good gear for a starting point. I like 42x17 because I don't like to push a big gear on hills. I regularly go up Bachman Place so that's my standard.
roadfix
10-13-08, 10:05 AM
I like 42x17 too and I live in a hilly area near downtown LA.
I live on the coast and use 42/18. I'm weak.
Rick@OCRR
10-13-08, 10:27 AM
I run a 42t x 15t so it's comfortable at 20 mph on flat ground, but a bit tough on long climbs (Turnbull Canyon, for example) but do-able. Mine is fixed, not SS, but most of the same rules apply re: gearing.
Rick / OCRR
I live inland a bit and run a 48/19, but I have no major hills on my commute or errands. I would choose the 42 over the 52 though, it's a lot more convenient for stop-go riding and you'll be able to get just about anywhere.
Popeyecahn
10-13-08, 08:37 PM
Running 42/16, but I yearn for that extra tooth or two around here at times. I ride around SD a decent bit and the gearing is as Efficiency mentioned. Have a look here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=468351) for gearing info.
surfrider
10-14-08, 08:29 PM
If the 52/17 works for ya, start there. Just make sure you're running the same size wheel & tires on the Univega as your current bike. You can always change the rear cog later. Mine's 48/16. I ride it in flat areas, might even up it to a 50/16 next time I maintain the BB