Originally Posted by
bananabacon
*Wonders if he just described what everyone wants in a cluster*
I have to agree. The OP is describing wanting single speed with multiple gears. Flats, hills, etc.
Some people have gone with flipflop hubs, but that only gives a couple gears difference, and I assume is a bit of a pain to swap.
Originally Posted by
bananabacon
will be riding a singlespeed up front with about 42-44 teeth due to the 144BCD.
I only have one bike and would like to double my one bike for training as well. I'll already be missing the top end speed of a 53 tooth chainring. Is there a small enough ring that you could install in the rear that will emulate the pull and thrust of a 53tooth chainring? If not can you get close?
Keep in mind that it is all about gear ratios (or gear inches, however you wish to calculate it).
42/12 = 3.5
53/15 = 3.53
Those two gear selections would give you essentially the same gearing. If you want a freewheel (single speed), then it is easier to find larger sprockets, although there are BMX freewheels down to 9T. For fixed gear, you can get down to 12 or 13T.
If you wish to go without a derailleur, look at some of the internal gear hubs. 3, 5, 7, 8, 11, or 14 speeds. You can also find multi-speed crank sets.
I'm starting to build a bike around the Sturmey Archer S3X which should give me a 3-speed "fixed". Personally I mash a bit, so I'm going with as high of a gear as I can for the top end, and then allowing lower gears for the hills. And the "fixed" should be an interesting detail.