Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - What cog measurement would be best for a 46T crank wheel?

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littlemiso
06-22-09, 04:56 PM
Frame: 46 cm
Wheelset: 650c
Crank wheel: 46T

So, my crank wheel has been measured at 46T and I'm trying to determine how what cog I should order for my fixed gear. 14T, 16T, or 18T?

I heard a 14T would be an easier ride, so to speak. I want a smooth easy ride.

Yet another one of my friends told me that I was being told backwards?

Also, any ideas on what would be best for a free-wheel?

I know that this is strictly specific to the rider, some might be too easy, too hard, or just right. It's a trial and error thing. But honestly all of my friends ride huge bikes. 52 cm + and I'm on a 46 cm frame so I can't test ride their bikes comfortably...

roadfix
06-22-09, 05:09 PM
I would recommend you start out with about 70 gear inches and see if you like it. That would be a 17T cog for you.
spikedfro10
06-22-09, 05:17 PM
i ride a 46/17 and works just fine for me.

adriano
06-22-09, 05:36 PM
16t would give you 70 inches. 17t would give you 65 inches. i would suggest the 17t.
time bandit
06-22-09, 06:05 PM
your friend was right. larger chainring=higher gear, smaller cog=higher gear.

whoever told you 14 would be easier was wrong.
mackerel
06-22-09, 06:41 PM
46/17 works quite well.
Triple8Sol
06-22-09, 07:13 PM
Best is relative to what kind of shape you're in, and what kind of terrain you're riding on. I've been running 46/18 for awhile, and have been happy with that. May try a 17 or 16 in the near future, too
JacoKierkegaard
06-22-09, 07:30 PM
It really depends on you. I find 48x16 (78.8 gi) to be pretty ideal for most situations. For a lot of folks that's way too steep, and others prefer something bigger.
Johnny Nemo
06-22-09, 07:59 PM
A 17 cog will get you 17 skid patches, so go with that.
adriano
06-22-09, 08:29 PM
i am the only one with correct gear inches here. check yourselves.
Johnny Nemo
06-22-09, 09:44 PM
* EDIT - incorrect gear inches removed to avoid further confusion !
JacoKierkegaard
06-22-09, 10:07 PM
Could be variations in tire size. Or "tyre", since you lot can't be bothered to spell it correctly. :D
G60
06-22-09, 10:19 PM
Wheelset: 650c



I checked.. yours are wrong. What calculator did you use?

According to mine:
46x17 on a 700x23 tyre = 71.1 inches.
46x16 on a 700x23 tyre = 75.6 inches


adriano is correct. because he paid attention to the wheel size the OP is using.
Johnny Nemo
06-22-09, 10:19 PM
Sorry, apologies. Missed the 650. Duh!

for a smooth ride, I'd go 65-70 gear inches.

It's spelt tyre over here. :)