Gear Ratio
 

In the process of taking apart my old Shimano to convert it to a fixed gear bike, I noticed that the chainring that is attached to the crankarm and pedal has 52 teeth. Is this going to be a problem for me at all? I live in Massachusetts, in a hilly area. Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Get a 20 tooth cog for the rear.

What kinda wonky crank is this?

lots of 70s/80s bikes had the big ring pressed on to the crankarm. they suck. I've had bad experiences using one, Plus you have to get a big cog your neverr gonna use when you do decide to upgrade to something stiffer.

Thanks for the knowledge. I guess it's fortunate I haven't run up against one of them yet.

I would really just go ahead and buy a new crank jawn.

^yeah, a bulletproof with a decent chainring should be a bit better? Especially if your just getting into it. Donate that crank to local co-op for good karma.

Is there any way that I could attach the smaller chainring to the bigger one and use that instead?

isnt the smaller chainring already attatched?. sure you could use that. why not? but my guess it will be a tooth count of >/= 40 and you'll need a mad small cog unless you have plenty of hills and need a smaller ratio. it may be slightly harder toget the chainline right on that too. i've tried this and just had better luck on the stamped on large chainring and using a larger cog.

Ok then it's settled, I'll just use the 52t chainring and a 20t cog. My next question is the size of the cog compared to the hub...are there different sizes? would I be alright with this cog for my fixed gear and a 3/32 chain? http://www.ebikestop.com/items/004-FW2088

yeah, that should work. do you have a fixed hub? stepped threads? get a lockring too.

I don't have a fixed hub...I actually have to buy a whole new back wheel. I plan on getting something like that cog that in that link above and a lockring...what kind of fixed hub should I get, and can someone suggest one that would fit the cog I want? and I'm not sure about stepped threads; can someone elaborate?

formulas are good inexpensive hubs. bicyclewheels.com has some good track wheels with formulas.

Stepped thread just means there is a thread for the cog and then a smaller thread for the lockring, which screws on counterclockwise to keep the cog on.

If you use that setup, leave the small ring on as well. Those one piece press on rigs are too floppy without the other ring bolted to them for support, I've seen them completely fold over and fail.

If you want to use the small ring, 40x14 and 40x15 are both totally legit gears, we forget that track cogs come in much smaller sizes than what we usually use on the street.

Im from mass too im running 42/16 right now. where do you live?

Well I think I'm going to have to buy the whole wheel with fixed hub already installed because I don't think I can do the spokes myself. I live in Rutland...just outside of Worcester.

Good call, but be advised that the current wheels on your bike may be the old `27"' size, which is just slightly bigger than 700c, the current road standard. Sheldon Brown's website will explain how to find this out.

My current wheels are 27" but I was advised to get 700c in another thread that I posted. Even though they are slightly smaller, will going from 27" wheels to 700c wheels be a problem?

If you switch the front to 700c as well, you will probably have to get a longer reach front brake because the rim will be that tiny bit farther away. However it's worth it because it makes tires way easier to find. Also you can fit fenders and fatter tires more easily, if that's your bag.

alright, i'm fine with that. anyone know where i can get the best deal on a set of 700c's with a fixed hub on the rear? anyone selling any? thanks.

bicyclewhees.com

all of the fixed gear wheels i could find on bicyclewheels.com say that they are for sew up tires only. can you use normal tires on them?

a gear ratio is just that... a ratio. if u use ur 52t and use an 11t cog...yes u will have a tough time. if you slap a 30t cog on then u will be ready to bmx!

rims for tubulars (sewups) won't work with a clincher... I find it hard to believe they don't have any track wheelsets with clinchers... maybe email them?

I found some nice ones with rims that work with clinchers. Thanks for everyone's help, the bike should be up and running within the next few months.

all i can say is 42/16

I use 52/17 right now, its not especially easy to skid, but it works and you go fast. should be fine.

I run 46/18 which has turned out pretty nice for the hills around here. I too had one of those permanent 52t chainrings attached to my cranks. I mounted my 46t to the inside position and ground the teeth off of the 52t to make a sort of urban bashguard. I actually like how it looks and am in no hurry to buy new cranks.

52/12.

Massive quads will ensue.

That's 80 gear inches, more like track gearing. Might want to dial it back a little.

I run 50/16. ~83 gear inches. I'd suggest something a little lighter.