Originally Posted by
David Newton
I don't know if you were asking about what ratio to try for, and I don't know if you are fit or fat, but with 27" wheels, which chain ring were you going to use? If it is the 40, I'd say a 19t or 20t free wheel. Isn't Montpelier kind of flat?
Actually, Montpelier's rather hilly. My driveway is a cat 4 climb, straight up. West End Richmond (where it'll be usually used) is flatter, but still has some climbs. Using the usual 16 tooth rear that's readily available for a single speed, I'm going to be overgeared with the 52 (87.75 gear in), and undergeared with the 40 (67.5). I'd love to run a 52/20 combination (70.2), if I can find the rear.
Hopefully I get the wheels built right after Westminster, and mock everything up for a road test or two. I won't be spending the money on the blasting and powder coat until I hear that I'm being called back. In the interim, I've still got the original Raleigh Gran Sport frameset in the attic, and can put it together around it for the time being.