what are you running for gear ratio?
05-23-08, 10:54 PM
#51
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39x16. just started riding fixed and this seems to be a good ratio to learn on.
I think I'm going to keep this ratio but with a freewheel instead for getting into the city. Then probably run 39x15 fixed for city riding.
I think I'm going to keep this ratio but with a freewheel instead for getting into the city. Then probably run 39x15 fixed for city riding.
07-05-10, 05:45 PM
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Need help from the gear ratio scientists
I building a little mixte single speed for my little (as in 5'4") lady. I'm strongly considering using the stock 52t main chainring to save some $$$. I thought a 15 or 16t freewheel would compensate for the large chainring... but do I have it backwards? Will larger (18-20t) freewheels make it easier to pedal? She's got lil legs and is new to city biking.
Please help.
Please help.
07-05-10, 05:53 PM
#54
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I building a little mixte single speed for my little (as in 5'4") lady. I'm strongly considering using the stock 52t main chainring to save some $$$. I thought a 15 or 16t freewheel would compensate for the large chainring... but do I have it backwards? Will larger (18-20t) freewheels make it easier to pedal? She's got lil legs and is new to city biking.
Please help.
Please help.
07-05-10, 05:56 PM
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48x16 same.
Not NYC, Northern jersey, close enough.
There are some hills but, the first track bike I had was 50x16, so I am used to high gear inches. I can usually get climb most of the hills easily, and on flats, its amazing.
Might get a 18t freewheel though, just because.
Not NYC, Northern jersey, close enough.
There are some hills but, the first track bike I had was 50x16, so I am used to high gear inches. I can usually get climb most of the hills easily, and on flats, its amazing.
Might get a 18t freewheel though, just because.
07-05-10, 06:07 PM
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Been doing 48/19 for the past few weeks and spinning feels kind of nice, as opposed to monster strokes. I can climb a little easier, and i feel like i get more of a workout cause I need to pedal at higher RPM's to get me up to speed.
Might go up to 48/17 eventually though.
Might go up to 48/17 eventually though.
07-05-10, 06:41 PM
#61
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Gear ratio = (number of chainring teeth) ÷ (number of cog teeth)
Bigger gear ratio = harder to pedal
Smaller gear ratio = easier to pedal
Bigger chainring or smaller cog = Bigger gear ratio = harder to pedal
Smaller chainring or bigger cog = Smaller gear ratio = easier to pedal
Bigger gear ratio = harder to pedal
Smaller gear ratio = easier to pedal
Bigger chainring or smaller cog = Bigger gear ratio = harder to pedal
Smaller chainring or bigger cog = Smaller gear ratio = easier to pedal
07-05-10, 06:56 PM
#62
Your cog is slipping.
48/18 on my Madison and 48/20 on my Premium Brew. I love 'em both for different reasons.
07-05-10, 07:09 PM
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50x15
the hills are tough, but its great for riding with traffic!
Ill probably pick up a 17t cog later, but I just wanted to get my bike back on the track
the hills are tough, but its great for riding with traffic!
Ill probably pick up a 17t cog later, but I just wanted to get my bike back on the track
07-05-10, 08:42 PM
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To followup my rtarded questions with an actual contribution to the thread: I'm enjoying my Feather's stock 46:15 gearage for all-around-use in Chicago!
07-05-10, 08:55 PM
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49:16 right now. Been keeping up with 90rpm.
Keeping sustainable cadence in mind can make gear choices easy.
Keeping sustainable cadence in mind can make gear choices easy.
07-06-10, 09:24 AM
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When I set my Soma Rush up I decided to use Sheldon Brown's gear calculator to give me my answer. On my geared bike for one hour to two hour rides I like riding about 20 to 21 mph (neutral conditions, flat with no strong headwinds). For my Rush I worked backwards on the gear chart to punch in the highest cadence I can sustain comfortably to be at 20 mph. Obviously the lowest gear inches with a higher cadence gives me a better hill climber. I ended up with 46:18 and have no regrets. I find that my ass does not start bouncing until 25 mph which is a speed I can't maintain for very long (level ground) whether it is single speed or geared bike so who cares. I could care less about downhill aspects to gear inch selection. I know that I can comfortably ride higher gear inches but am really happy with my current ratio when I get to hills and long gentle inclines.
07-06-10, 09:44 AM
#68
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^^^ and when you start being able to spin faster and faster it just becomes more fun
07-06-10, 10:38 AM
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Totally. I spin more now with my 49:16 than I did with my 44:15. I'll keep 49:15 for the zero headwind velodrome and think of my road gears as warm up gearing.
You can certainly grow into gears if you are so inclined. Coffee shop bikes, don't bother.
You can certainly grow into gears if you are so inclined. Coffee shop bikes, don't bother.
07-06-10, 11:09 AM
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43/16 with 23mm tires and 165mm cranks makes it 70.6 GI.
06-10-14, 01:07 PM
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I'm currently running 48x16, but would like a little bit taller. Was thinking about 48x15. Seems like it would be a good ratio for commuting on the good ol' flat streets of Arizona.
06-10-14, 01:23 PM
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06-10-14, 01:32 PM
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