Quick gear ratio question
 

hey everyone.

I am building up a single speed from parts in the garage. I have a 22 Surly cog left over from bike polo and a 50t chainring. I want to keep this build as at zero co$t.

I live in San Francisco, but don't plan to tackle hills on this bike more a general grocery getter around the city...

How would a 2.27 ratio be as a daily rider?

Any feedback appreciated.

Try it and let us know. Only potential problem I can think of would be that a standard chain might not come with enough links.

Of course it all depends on the type of cadence you're used to. However it seems to be on the low side for general (non-hilly) riding.

I ride about 15% higher gearing (46/17x700c) and find it reasonable. Any higher and I couldn't climb when I had to, and any less and I'd run out of rpm long before I ran out of power on flat ground.

But I'm me, and you're you, so that's what matters.

Think about the gear combinations that see the most use on your current bike, and set this bike up toward the lower end of that bunch (you have to have something to climb with).

OTOH - since zero cost is a goal, you could set it up, and give it a go. Measure the chain so you have room to slide the wheel back if you later chose to drop to a 19 or 20t rear.

Thanks! your answer helps.

This is a bike I will bring camping for just tooling around campsites and I mostly ride alongside my 8 yearly daughter so it should be fine.

If anything I will go to a lower teeth chainring and not replace that overbuilt surly cog,since it is a cassette conversion with spacers. And if I do find a smaller (free!) chainring, I just need to take some links off without needing a new chain.