K_phomma

So as of today I stop trolling and finally get my bike (Fuji Track '08). But theres a problem. You see I'm a 5'3" 13 year old and I just can't my weak ass legs pushing the 48/15 gear ratio. So I ask you BFSSFG what gearing should I run and why, and if I should keep the ratio and why. Also feel free to post anything else helpful, much thanks.

- Kevin.

alfiegee

I say just keep what you have and keep biking till your legs are strong enough

K_phomma

I was thinking that but the guy(s) at Performance recommended that I change the gearing to a much "easier" one.

crushkilldstroy

Change that 48 to a 42.

kzac

Is Portland flat?

I honestly would say go for a lowering gearing... its even high for some full grown guys.

conor

keep it. you'll get it in a few weeks if you ride regularly. make sure you use a brake. i only say that because if you're having trouble pedaling, you will most certainly have trouble stopping without one.

also: you type better than most people here. it's much appreciated.

fixedup

If you're gonna run that gear, keep the brake on, esp if you're a beginner at fixed. I started off running 48x16 brakeless and rode that way for about a year, then changed to a 17t for more skid patches. Now on my other bike I ride 47x17 for skid patches and because I like spinning more than mashing, but you need to build up the leg muscles, otherwise it'll always seem hard. Ride it for a month then decide is my advice.

crushkilldstroy

47x17 is a spinner's gear? I must be absolutely bonkers with my 42x17 then.

ralphm2k

Find comfortable ratio on your geared bike - and get a cog that will give you the same gear inches when matched with the crank.


https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...nch+calculator

K_phomma

My commute is generally flat, but the road up to my school elevates some. But how low is low gearing?

I have a brake, and I'm glad I have one but then I have a crappy lever so I guess I'll bug my friend Lance for a lever. And you're welcome.

thequickfix

That gearing is higher than I would think appropriate for city riding (even if it is mostly flat). I would change the cog to 17 or 18, which is usually cheaper than changing the chainring.

It seems like most people start with a huge gear and end up going lower eventually. I just recently went below 70 gear inches with a 46-18 on my snow bike.

fixedup

Well, when you live in pensacola florida, and there are maybe......MAYBE 4 hills that you have to stand up for at the top ( big maybe ) then I would consider my gear a spinning gear most of the time. Really flat, but really bad headwinds a lot.

Cynikal 

I would get a 17 tooth cog. The stock gearing is for the track and not street use.

eXCeSS

anything from a 42-46 in front with a 17 in back.

Legalize It

Man your 13* you havent even fully developed yet haha. Go switch to a 48:17 or a 48:18. Itll help you out.

***

Perfect for Portland. I rolled around in a 48:16 when i was living there.


*Haha Reading comprehension.

xtraspokes

+1^ If you plan on really getting into it at your age and putting in alot of saddle time (and you're not in a position to seek some real guidance in the form of a coach or trainer specializing in track cycling)... I'd error in favor of the well being of your knees and go to the easier gearing. Take up a resistance training program to build strength.
These two diciplines will meld together as you mature and you'll be one well rounded cyclist for your efforts.


Good luck and have fun!!

In Absentia

Reading comprehension.

Edit: And gear down. No reason to start screwing your knees up now, while they're still developing. 17t or 18t cog should be good.

zelah

yeah get a 17t cog and you'll be alright.

K_phomma

All right so A 48/17 ratio would be fine to start with and then get lower gearing on the chainring later on?

BenATX

If you get a 17t cog, there will be no reason to get a smaller chainring... (unless you just want to at a later date)

nelzar13

ya im with you on the 42X17 i love it i spin my ****ing brains out!

NeilMonday

I think a 17T cog is the best idea because you keep 17 skid patches no matter what chainring you have. And 48/17 is like the golden gear ratio to me at least.

feaverish

Go to Bike Central and ask Dean. He'll yell at you that your gear ratio is way too high.

griffin_

should someone that young, who is still growing, be riding a fixed gear?
i can't imagine it's great for the knee development?
just thinking out loud....

and yeah, drop the chain ring to a 40 and you'll enjoy riding a LoT more!

gfrance

I agree 100%. Most people default to a gear that's too big, only doing it because it's what everybody else is doing, or my buddies said it'd be right.

I started at 48/17, went to 48/18, and now am at 46/18, and could still see going a bit lower. When I say a like to spin, I really, really mean it. I prefer to keep a constant RPM in the high 90's and that is just not possible with big gears AND urban conditions with lots of stops and starts. I don't care that much about giving up a bit of top speed. I ride mostly for commuting and errands, but I do some winter training on my fixed. Big is great on the track or for long, non stop riding. But all that starting and stopping is a pain with a big gear.