adamt

Is a single ring 36 too small to run as a single?

I looked at Sheldon's calc and it looks like it would max out around 20.5MPH at 90rpm.

I'm more concerned with training - I doubt I would spin out on the race course, but while on the road and what not - I was worried a 36 might be too small.

any thoughts?

nitropowered

Probably. Most single guys will run a 42.

I ran a 39 on my spare bike last year but definitely could have used some more gear.

barturtle

I would be wanting more gear. While I spend much of my time spinning along at 90+ rpm, sometimes I need to stand and crank which means a lower cadence. My middle ring is 38 with a small cog of 11, I can and do spin it out, and it is often too low to stand and crank. My big ring is 48, it never gets spun out (except down long, steep hills) and I rarely have an occasion when I am standing and cranking in the highest gear. I spend the vast amount of my time in the big ring. I would think that a 44 or 42 would be about right (though for my areas hills, I'd be missing having something a bit lower).