I'm converting an older bike to SS using a single speed freewheel and I'm trying to figure out about what gearing I want to end up with. I see a lot of references to 3:1 for fixed gears but is there a rule of thumb for SS bikes? Based on playing around with my road bike I think I'm going to shoot for 53:17 (3.11), but I also know that in general I mash where I should spin, so maybe I should go for 53:18 (2.94) or even higher to start building better habits. I've tried search and tried Sheldon Browns site and most of the gearing discussion seems to focus on off-road stuff and fixed gears, with only vague references to road gearing.

Just to be clear this is a road bike to be used in an area without many hills.

Thanks,

Ray

Do a search and you will find tons of threads on this subject. The thumbnail version is that you should start in the low to mid 70s gear inches, but this is of course highly dependent on your fitness, preferences and terrain.