vik 

I assumed having just one gear was going to be a handicap during my morning commuter racing sessions, but I feel as fast if not faster than on my geared bikes...even in stop and go traffic...

I guess not having anything to think about when the light turns green other than hammering the pedals has its advantages...

antiaverage

Yeah, a cleared mind and a better connection with your rear wheel make the fixed gear freeing and fast.

the_don

put a bike computer on and measure it, or get a GPS app for your phone and you can get a full analysis. Only hard cold data can reveal the truth.

continental88

Same here, I selected a gear ratio the same as the highest gear of my mtn bike which I used to commute with... so much faster on the fixed gear! I know that this is also a comparison between wide knobby mtn bike tires and thinner road tires, but man, I like!
Did the gps test too, and found myself cruising at ~17 mph, peaking at just over 20 (44-17 ratio, for just under 70 GI).

TejanoTrackie 

You chose a very sensible gear for the street. I run a similar gear (42 x 16 = 71 gi), which is perfect for my terrain which is rolling moderately hilly and sometimes windy. Many people IMO make the mistake of running too high gearing, which does not permit them to maintain an efficient cadence, and they actually go slower.

VA_Esquire

You ever considered that it may be due to you are forced to constantly pedal while on the geared bike you have the option to coast if your "legs get tired"? This is why I use a FG for commuting and for training.

cc700

i run 44-16 on the street and it's WAY too low for the track. i also have run 44-17 and that was fine but i was spinning like crazy down hills. there be some hills here.

i dunno. i feel like i'm faster on my heavy commuter bike if i'm in a hurry, but faster on my fixed gear if i am trying to not sweat.

LosAngelesRidin

I also feel faster on my fixed gear than on my road bike.

I run 46:17

seems perfect for me

VA_Esquire

Im on a felt TK3 with 48/15 though I may drop it down to a 17t

Squirrelli

Wow, that's kind of high...is it rather flat where you live?
I ride with a somewhat low...44/17, with quite the steep hills.

LosAngelesRidin

that is high

hope your running brakes !

Squirrelli

Or legs of steel...

nickpoiron

lol just realized im running 48/15 and not 42. no wonder its hard to skid.

Squirrelli

6 teeth is a lot......
Can you lock it up at all?

shubonker

I run 46x18, and i cruise at a leisurely 10mph. Go me.

nickpoiron

yea i know that is kinda hard to miss, and i can skip but not hold it. its real hard. maybe ill get a smaller chain ring. any suggestions on teeth count?

Squirrelli

I'd go with 42/15 if I were you.

gasftl

Can I get opinions on 48/19 on flats? I'm trying to whip skid with it but I just can't do it. Is it my ratio or I just need to more leg power?

nickpoiron

thanks man, im gettin the bike worked on tommorow maybe ill check that out.

LosAngelesRidin

leg power

cc700

48 19 is a great flat land around town gear. very very skiddable.

gasftl

Skidding is very easy, when you lean forward. Talking about whip skids here.

hairnet

c'mon... I have 46x19 and I go at least 11mph.

Just because you're always pedaling doesn't mean you're putting anything into the pedals. So often are the pedals just carrying my legs when I'm tired.

the_don

48x15 is perfect for Tokyo. Cruise at around 30-35 and my computer has registered my fastest sprint up to be 44. I can't maintain over 40 for more than 30 seconds or though at the moment because I haven't been riding as much recently.

bbattle

Vixtor says good thing. 42-15 = 74gi which is about what 48-17 gearing is.