Best ratio for big hills?
06-29-17, 04:26 PM
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Best ratio for big hills?
Hi all!
I just moved to Seattle from Phoenix. I have stock 48X16 ratio on my SS right now, but quickly found out that won't quite cut it while trying to pedal up the monster hills Washington has to offer. Does anyone have any recommendations for a ratio that works for them on big hills?
I just moved to Seattle from Phoenix. I have stock 48X16 ratio on my SS right now, but quickly found out that won't quite cut it while trying to pedal up the monster hills Washington has to offer. Does anyone have any recommendations for a ratio that works for them on big hills?
06-29-17, 04:47 PM
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My Kilo came with 48/18. For our Pennsylvania terrain, that was a bit steep for me at the time. I ran 44/18 for about two years and then moved up to my current ratio of 46/18. I could muster a 48T ring, but I really want to enjoy my commutes.
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06-29-17, 05:55 PM
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What are you trying to accomplish, commute without putting in too much effort, or riding to ride? Everyones needs and abilities will be different.
I live in a hilly area and prefer 69-73 gear inches (47x18 and 47x17) for quick pace rides of 30+ miles. Allows me to climb just about anything and still be able to spin down the other side. For doing shorter TT style laps I'll bump up to 77 gear inches (47x16).
I don't commute, but if I did I'd be running a lower gear ratio so I'm not sweaty and exhausted when I get there.
I live in a hilly area and prefer 69-73 gear inches (47x18 and 47x17) for quick pace rides of 30+ miles. Allows me to climb just about anything and still be able to spin down the other side. For doing shorter TT style laps I'll bump up to 77 gear inches (47x16).
I don't commute, but if I did I'd be running a lower gear ratio so I'm not sweaty and exhausted when I get there.
06-29-17, 10:03 PM
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Your cog is slipping.
Like trying to tell someone what sandwich will taste best, there is literally no right answer for this. Pick up a few inexpensive freewheels or cogs, experiment and stick with what works best for you.
06-30-17, 02:56 PM
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Get a $2 17T Scrod-cog for starters: https://www.retro-gression.com/colle...nt=43015288778
Beyond that, chainrings can be found really cheap if you're not too picky about brand/looks/newness. That should let you experiment enough to find the right ratio without breaking the bank. All of the cool SS/FG riders have pegboard hooks full of chainrings and cogs anyway.
Beyond that, chainrings can be found really cheap if you're not too picky about brand/looks/newness. That should let you experiment enough to find the right ratio without breaking the bank. All of the cool SS/FG riders have pegboard hooks full of chainrings and cogs anyway.
07-05-17, 03:42 PM
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Pick up a few inexpensive freewheels or cogs, experiment and stick with what works best for you.
07-06-17, 12:57 PM
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LULZ on the Specs! :::
"Yeah, they're really only two bucks!
These definitely aren't the best cogs in the world but they're made of steel and will suit your needs if you're experimenting with gear ratios on a budget or want to keep a few in your pockets to chuck at ****ty tweakers."
"Yeah, they're really only two bucks!
These definitely aren't the best cogs in the world but they're made of steel and will suit your needs if you're experimenting with gear ratios on a budget or want to keep a few in your pockets to chuck at ****ty tweakers."
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