Originally Posted by
TimothyH
44x14 is about 83 gear inches. This is a pretty high gear for most people on the road, especially with hills.
It is probably good to start around 70 gear inches and see how it feels.
BikeCalc.com - Bicycle Gear Inches Chart
When talking gearing I like to bring up Ray Booty..."the boot". English time trialer who in 1956 was the first to break 4 hrs in the 100 mile TT. 3:58 and 20 some seconds. His gear of choice and pretty standard at the time...84" fixed.
It was customary back in the day to start the racing season on a 63-68" fixed gear for the first few hundred miles.
70" gear is plenty for an easy going around town gear.