theunionstreet

I know there are already many posts on this but I wanted to hear some opinions on my specific situation.

I'm building my first single speed. I live in Seattle. A friend gave me a 20T single speed freewheel.

What size chainring would you recommend I ride with the 20T freewheel?

If I buy a crankset catered to this 20T freewheel do you think I may regret it. Should I just spend some extra cash on a 17T?

Thanks for you input,
Adam

Nagrom_

cogs are cheaper than chainrings.

just buy a 17t.

theunionstreet

Just to clarify, I don't have a crankset as of now. So I need to buy a chainring either way.

Spoonrobot 

Hi Adam,

How hilly is it where you live and what kind of riding do you do?

20t is pretty big in the back for just regular road riding/pub cruising/etc. Assuming regular gearing rules you'd want something around 70 g.i.


With a 20t in the back you get the following for common front chain ring sizes.
46 48 50 52
62.1 64.8 67.5 70.2

I'd probably just forget the 20t and go ahead and get a 17t/18t since 50/52 starts giving you clearance issues with a lot of frames. 46/48 paired with a 17/18 gives you better options and will fit with no issues on a larger amount of frames.

Xgecko

you would need a 53T ring to get the same inches as the common 46-17....most Cranksets come with a 46 or a 48 so it would be worthwhile to purchase a new freewheel

i would really recommend an Excess freewheel

theunionstreet

Thanks for your help and quick response. I think I will take that route.

theunionstreet

Thanks, it's good to hear everyone is on the same page about this.