34/18 to SS?
 

On my commute home, I have a few hills that I can comfortable cycle up (standing) on a 34/18 ratio.
I often see some fixies cycle past me so either my bike is waay too heavy or my legs aren't up to it :)
If I swap to a SS, would I need the same ratio or will a 46/16 likely be ok?

The laws of physics don't suddenly change because you are riding a different bicycle. 46 x 16 is a much higher gear than 34 x 18. If you can barely get up a hill on a 34 x 18, then you will be walking that same hill on a 46 x 16.

Are you riding a polo bike, or is it a geared bike you shift down in? either case, htfu and work those chicken legs

Good advice. :rolleyes:

Not trying to be a jerk about it, wanna go faster pedal harder.

U da man !

Geared bike that I shift down in!
Honestly, legs should be fine I do plenty of other sports. Bike is about 15kg + the back pannier holder so maybe 16kg.
Me 85kg plus a bag of 5kg.
Almost everyone beats me up the hill whereas on the flat I'm going fast than anyone else so I have no idea what's wrong :)

^ weight would definitely be a factor with all the extra baggage. switching to a SS probably wouldn't afford you any advantages


Not sure what you're trying to do here but thanks :thumb:

You are most of the weight, so even if you get a lighter bike it's not going to make much of a difference. Weight doesn't matter on flat ground, but matters a lot when climbing hills, which is why you do better on flat ground than on hills. You mentioned your weight, but didn't tell us your height, so we can't tell if you're overweight. If you could drop a dozen pounds it would make a big difference when climbing. Also, when climbing out of the saddle, it's easier to do if you are using clipless pedals which provide full foot retention when pulling up on the pedals.