I'm converting an older bike to SS using a single speed freewheel and I'm trying to figure out about what gearing I want to end up with. I see a lot of references to 3:1 for fixed gears but is there a rule of thumb for SS bikes? Based on playing around with my road bike I think I'm going to shoot for 53:17 (3.11), but I also know that in general I mash where I should spin, so maybe I should go for 53:18 (2.94) or even higher to start building better habits. I've tried search and tried Sheldon Browns site and most of the gearing discussion seems to focus on off-road stuff and fixed gears, with only vague references to road gearing.

Just to be clear this is a road bike to be used in an area without many hills.

Thanks,

Ray