Bike Forums - New Commuter Choices

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbologna (Post 5668478)

I guess I don't really understand the differences between various gear combinations and the total inches, and how all that translates into ease of pedaling up a hill. Can someone give me a primer? Thanks!

Gear inches is a way to compare ease of pedaling across bikes with widely different chainring/cog combinatinos. It is basically # front teeth/#back teeth X outer tire diameter.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gear_inches

I find that you really have to do some calculations and get used to a feel of a given gear inch # in order to really understand. But some rough estimates are as follows
1. Many mountain bike single speeds are geared at about 50 inches. This is difficult to climb steep stuff but not impossible and also allows the rider to cruise along at about 13-15 mph on the flats.
2. Many single speed road commuters choose to ride 65-73 gear inches. This is great for cruising up to the mid 20mph range and still allows us to climb hills.

OOPS sorry Jurgen. Just saw your post.