So i've recently run into a dilemma. After converting an old road bike to a fixed gear, i turned lazy and kept the same crankset and i feel that it might be too high. I'm running 52:18.

After riding for a while i found it really hard to lock up the back wheel and i think it's because of my high gear. I still have a 39t chain ring but i'm afraid i'll spin out too easily on a 39:18.
Any tips to help lock up with the high gear ?

Suggestion #1: Just buy a 19t cog, cheap and a much easier ratio

Suggestion #2: Get stronger

Sorry no real tips, if it's too big for you do yourself and knees a favor and go lower.

if you had to ask, then yes, your gearing is too high. i know of people who rock that ratio but LA is pretty flat.

That is not a high ratio.

Do the math- 52 divided by 18 is a 2.8 ratio.

My suggestion is practice this mantra in your head while you ride, it works for me. Whenever you feel 'oh my bike _____ is making me slower' say in your head 'shut up, ride harder'.


edit: and if i can lock the wheel at 50/16 i know you can too.

52x18 isn't that high. It's a mid-70's GI, which is fairly typical.

I'd recommend practicing in grass, so you can get the feel of what the skid feels like.

Or, just don't worry about skidding and ride. 52x18 is a good all-around riding gear. Try to skid again in a few weeks if you still want to.

That's about 78 GI. Perhaps that is high for some people, but you are in what is generally considered an acceptable range for street riding.

I ride in Boston. I'm not much of a masher and prefer to ride mid-70GI and lower. More so than hills, near certain buildings, I find wind to be more of a problem at a high gear.