Originally Posted by Judah
Start off lower than 46x16, develop your spin. 46x17 or 46x18 maybe. Go down some hills (with a brake) and learn to spin your legs without bouncing in your seat. Ride the low gearing for a few months, then switch up to 46x16.
This all depends on where you're riding and how fast you want to be, of course...
When people talk about spin, what kinda rpms do you mean?
I have very recently started riding a 40x14 on flat roads. I often get up to 30mph, which is about 130rpm, and I wish I had a higher gear to switch into, as I usually settle back down to 120, instead of keeping up 130 for more than a few minutes. But on the flip side I'm finding that starts from lights are slower than I want (and worried about knees) and when there is a strong headwind 40x14 is too high, but I am concerned to go to a lower gear as I feel spun out at my top cruising speeds.
My experience riding a multi-geared bike has always been to ride over 100rpm, I accelerate best in the 100-120 range, even from stops as I started from a low gear.
I guess this is why fixed makes you a stronger rider and it takes a bit to find the happy balance between fast starts and top speed.
Al