dpc1192

I got a fixed gear about 2 years ago and never rode it very much, but have been riding about 5 days aweek here for a month or so and am loving it and want to keep up with cycling. (can't surf much anymore)

I have pretty much all Eighth Inch components (Frame, Crankset, Cog, Wheelset) and then Origin8 (Pedals and Bars) my frame is a bit small for me 56CM and I'm 6'2 but I pushed the seat back as much as possible and have a 100mm Stem (might upgrade to 120?)

Riding is alot of fun, but it seems a bit hard like I need a a new cog to make things a bit easier on my legs. Currently I'm riding a 48:15 as the bike came stock, but am looking at 16t and 17t cogs. I'm leaning towards 17t cause I've heard good things about this ratio.. I don't want it to be too easy, I'm in FL where it's pretty flat except for bridges and am also riding around just for fun/fitness. I also run a front brake.

Also if you have any other advice as far as upgrades please let me know! I'm thinking of ordering a 120mm stem so I'm stretched out a bit more because the frame is a bit small, but my current stem is 26mm so I might have to order new bars as well.

THANKS so much!!!!

SUMMARY: 48:15 vs 48:17 ??? (or maybe 16t!)

Caliper

Don't focus on ratio, at least look at gear inches or how far the bike moves for one pedal revolution: Sheldon Brown's Bicycle Gear Calculator

Sounds like you have mid 80's gear inches, which is a bunch. Dropping your ratio back to give mid 70's would probably be better. I'm running 42x16 and with my tires get about 70 gear inches which works when I have to go up some of the hills around here.

dpc1192

Ok so 48x17 would be closer to 76 where's I'm a little over 80 inches now...

that seems like the ratio to go with!

carleton

48/15 is too big for street use. That is a race gear. Consider getting an 18 or 19t cog.

What?

Gear-inches, gear-meters, and ratio are all very-much related

I should know: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/trac...or/id925659197

Go with 18 to start. 19 if you live in a hilly area.

dpc1192

Thanks alot for the replies !

And I live in a Flat area in Florida, so I'm thinking 17 or 18.. You sure 18 wouldn't be too big of a jump from 15?

cruiserhead

I run 48x16 and it's been good in several cities across the US

I have a 18 cog on one wheel and I never use it

Depends on your riding style but try a 17. Cogs are pretty cheap

thewilson 

Cogs are pretty cheap, you'll have to decide which ratio you like most. I've got 49x18 and I find it suitable for my rides.

dpc1192

Is it ok to spend less than 20 bucks on a cog ? It's just a little piece of metal right can't make too big a difference right?

cruiserhead

yeah I wouldnt pay more
Wabi Cycles fixed gear cogs

i just googled that- but you get the idea.

carleton

Go with 18.

dpc1192

how come you're so set on 48:18 vs 48:17? I'll probably listen to you just curious..

also, how much of a difference will I feel from 48:15 to 48:18? any other differences in ride you can help me imagine? thanks alot, I was starting to think how nice it would be to have gears and be able to make it just a bit easier to ride and then I realized all I need is a new cog !!! Dope

also I ride with a front brake now and am not really huge into being brakeless as I don't trust Cars, but it might be nice to work on skidding just for fun... I really can't skid at all now it seems way way too hard to lockup my legs

dpc1192

i don't know if this makes a difference, but I ride WITH a front brake and don't really know how to skid

AristoNYC

Nothing wrong with 48/15 on the street. But then again I use the bike for training.

AristoNYC

I've been riding fixed gear for a few years and I always use brakes, I haven't attempted [or learn] to skid once.
Get a few cheap cogs to see what size you like the best. I think I got some cro-moly cogs on ebay for about $10-15 each.

carleton

There is no exact science about it. It's a mix of factors:

- Crank length
- Rider weight
- Terrain
- Rider strength
- etc...

OP complained about 48/15 feeling big. I think it's OK in perfect conditions, but I think 48/18 provides a great gear for getting up hills and spinning fast (120-130) won't have you going at break-neck speeds (25-27mph).

I think a 48/18 is a very reasonable gear for a beginner which you are not

JeremyLC

Got an Android version?

dpc1192

I'm in FL so no hils !! But yeah a beginner so probably will be best. My local shop should have cogs right or should I order it online ? going to get this done tomorrow if possible so stay tuned, thanks again everyone for your replies

dpc1192

anyone have any other suggested upgrades ? thoughts ?!

the stem is adjustable, but is angled upwards a little because the frame is a tad small for me... although I hate the way the steam looks at an angle

carleton

Sorry, no

I get asked that A LOT. Maybe I need to learn Android programming...


Do you have tools to remove and install the chainring and cog? If not, it's worth it to get it at a local shop and ask them, "Hey, If I buy this will you put in on for for me?" and hope they do it for free. If they do, tip them a few bucks ($5?).

AristoNYC

You're 100% correct, I was just being facetious.

Caliper

Quite true. Gear ratio is a part of the bigger picture that is gear-distance. Honestly, I preferr gain ratio to include the effect of the crank arm length, but nobody seems to talk gain ratio so gear-distance is most practical.

dpc1192

Hopefully I will have this done by tomorrow afternoon.. I guess I'll go with 48:18, but I don't want it to be too cushy. It's super flat here, I rode 10 miles today and it was a pretty solid workout if that's any indication of my level of riding.. (My legs were getting beat tho towards the end)

carleton

Well, it's not just a matter of fitness. Gear ratios play into how quickly you start and stop the bike. For example, if you are downtown and and going from intersection to intersection, stoplight to stoplight, then a bigger gear (even though you can handle it) may be cumbersome. The opposite is true on long flats where you can cruise at a nice constant speed.

Most of my street fixed gear riding has been in downtown in cities like Baltimore, SF, Atlanta, DC, etc... where there was lots of stop and go.

dpc1192

Yeah so you still think 18t over 17t? I mean it's an easy cheap change so I guess if I feel that I want a stiffer ride I can get a 17t cog as well.. Just am not positive how much of a different each extra tooth will make, so stuck between 17 and 18t but leaning towards the 18t because of your input which I greatly appreciate

carleton

So you can't decide between 17 or 18t. What do you think you should do now?

A) Keep asking
B) Make a Survey
C) Flip a coin
D) Ask in another forum
E) Try both and see which one you like for yourself

I'll give you a hint: It's not A, B, C, or D.

It's not that big of a deal. It's not like a car where the transmission gear ratios are set in stone. Racers on the track change out chainrings and cogs 2-5 times during a single workout. Seriously, just buy both and see what you like.