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Best cog size for a 49t chainwheel

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Best cog size for a 49t chainwheel

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Old 11-16-10, 09:58 AM
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Best cog size for a 49t chainwheel

Excuse the ignorance, but I just picked up a Suntour Superbe Pro crankset with a 49 tooth Sugino 75 chain ring with which I plan to convert an 86 Peugeot Triathlon (PSV).

What would you suggest is the best cog size for me to use in a relatively flat city (Boston). I'll need to clear a few hills, but I hate spinning crazily when I'm on a nice clear bikepath. Does 17t sound right? Should I go lower?
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Old 11-16-10, 10:05 AM
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Personally, I would go 17 or 18. It's relatively flat where I live and I find 48/17 to be an ovverall perfect ratio for the riding I do.
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Old 11-16-10, 10:53 AM
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I'm with Scrod. 17 or 18 would be most comfortable, and best for all-purpose fixed riding. If you're going to use it to race, you might go 15/16, but I think 17/18 would be far better for a street bike.
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Old 11-16-10, 10:55 AM
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17t sounds about right
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Old 11-16-10, 11:11 AM
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17 if you are in fit shape, 16 if you ride more than a few times a week and like to hang around 22mph when cruising. 18 if those hills you have to clear are something you have to ride often.

I ride a 48/16, 700x23c, 170mm crank and fits my rider perfectly for mostly flat, occasional hill.
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Old 11-16-10, 11:14 AM
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I run 48/17 and its great. My commute has a few decent hills and a few decent downhills. I spin at about 25MPH on straights/slight downs and never have a problem with spinning out. I can handle most "hills" without standing and pedalling. i think its my ideal ratio for now. Probably going to try a 19t out.
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Old 11-16-10, 11:56 AM
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48/17 is the cat's meow. My favorite for sure.
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Old 11-16-10, 12:03 PM
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My carpet fiber fixie is 49x18.
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Old 11-16-10, 12:18 PM
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Originally Posted by dsh
My carpet fiber fixie is 49x18.
Is it the shag model?
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Old 11-16-10, 12:31 PM
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I'm in Boston too, and I ride 48/18 every day. In my opinion, it's a good ratio for the area, but it might be too high for someone who rides only occasionally or someone who wants to cruise a little easier on flat sections.
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Old 11-16-10, 01:24 PM
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17t is the place to start. You'll figure it out from there.
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Old 11-16-10, 01:28 PM
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Excellent. I'll start with 17 and see where that gets me. Many thanks.
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Old 11-16-10, 01:36 PM
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saw it now, nevermind......

Last edited by vw addict; 11-16-10 at 01:37 PM. Reason: blind
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Old 11-16-10, 04:43 PM
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I'd get a 18t, heck, even a 19t. I like to spin, that is all.
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Old 11-16-10, 04:50 PM
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16t

done
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Old 11-16-10, 05:18 PM
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It depends on two things:



and



I would start with an 18t and go from there.
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Old 11-16-10, 05:28 PM
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Where did you get that pic of my legs???
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Old 11-16-10, 05:34 PM
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49/49.
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Old 11-16-10, 05:38 PM
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48/19 in seattle is barely manageable. then again, if you need to clear a few 'hills' in boston, we in seattle might call them 'pebbles.' 17 is probably fine.
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Old 11-16-10, 06:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Scrodzilla
Where did you get that pic of my legs???
:blushes:

I follow you home from school sometimes.
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Old 11-16-10, 06:35 PM
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I knew that was you!
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Old 11-16-10, 06:38 PM
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Old 11-16-10, 06:44 PM
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Originally Posted by cc700
48/19 in seattle is barely manageable. then again, if you need to clear a few 'hills' in boston, we in seattle might call them 'pebbles.' 17 is probably fine.
oh how you make us east coasters blush, I'll take you up some hills, iffin you are man enough.
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Old 11-16-10, 07:08 PM
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not on 49/17 you won't.

i'm not saying there aren't hills out east, i'm saying you didn't build your cities on them.
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Old 11-16-10, 07:20 PM
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I dig cc700's new links, very original.
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