Rides and Races - Long Distance on a SS

Taking on a 300 mile ride in September, basically 5 60 mile days. Advise on Gear Ratios? I ride a 42/16 road bike and a 45/16 mt. bike. I don't know if the 42/16 will keep up on flat or downhills with the other event riders. Thinking 48/16 if i get the bike light enough.

46x16 seems to be a good, all purpose ratio. It's what I use on my SS conversion steelframe rb. But, if the terrain is comprised of long stretches of flat and 1-5% grades the 48x16 may be a better option. Slightly more top end, but still usable for moderate climbs depending on one's conditioning.

And if you're going fixed 48x15 would give you even more top end and help on the climbs. Again it depends on terrain, wind conditions, conditioning, etc.

I agree with Nashcommguy. Give us more info & we might be able to help more. I have 46x16 & really like the gearing for longer rides. I did 45 on Saturday. I could use a little more top end, but like to be able to climb without mashing up hills. Wind is likely your worst enemy, unless it's really hilly. Good luck on the ride...

it is very difficult to recommed GI's when we dont personally know the the geography and weather of the area, and the amount of weight you are going to be carrying.

when i did a ss/fixed tour (80miles per day) i loved my flip flop hub. in normal day to day riding it never gets flipped and stays in 70".
on the tour i had 62" on the otherside. the change was much appreciated, and id often start my day on the 62 to warm up, then into the 70 for the bulk of the day. then back tot he 62 if it got real hilly or if i was fatigued.

i wouldnt worry too much about having top end speed unless your riding with geared riders. its much better to be able to cover the terrain and distance comfortably, than having to remove the fun of the tour by having to push a bigger gear than is comfortable.

FWIW, I road from Toronto to Montreal on my singlespeed set up at about 71" and that felt good.

I've pulled off some pretty long stuff on my fixed this year. Check out the info at this thread, here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=541744). Executive summary: 49x18 has worked well for me in a variety of terrain, including big mountain passes, unglaciated Appalachian rollers, flats, winds, rain... you name it. Have a great ride! :thumb:

Hey i rode from sanfrancisco to big sur it was like 200 miles doing 50-60 everyday i did it on a schwinn madison (FIXED ALL THE WAY)and my ratio was 48/18 and i was carrying about 30 lbs on my bike. and i had the time of my life. i would say 46-16 or 48-18.

If you're planning on riding 5 consecutive 60 mile days, you really ought to be doing enough riding on the bike you're planning on using to know which gear setup you will be comfortable running. Ride your bike, find what works. Planning a 300 mile trip on a bike you're not already familiar with on moderate distance riding is a very bad idea.


EDIT: Saw that this post was older than **** only after posting this, disregard