It seems to me that you would have three wear spots on your rear tire if you use a 3:1 ratio and 4 if you use a 4:1. You complete a "cycle" every three or four complete rotations of the crank arms.

It would seem to me that using even ratios would be a disadvantage in this aspect. What are the advantages to using even ratios? I have searched the site and can find no info on even ratios.

I have been riding a converted road bike to a fixed gear for about 4 years. I use it mostly as a training tool and fun, most of my miles are from a conventional road bike. I use a 42x16 ratio because that is what I had lying around. I have never heard of or tried a leg lock, I just coast to a stop. I definately want to give this a try though!!!

Don't you go through alot of tires???