What's your gear ratio of choice?
07-09-09, 10:55 PM
#26
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after almost a year of exclusively riding 48x15 fixed, i switched to 42x16 ss. giant ratio is bad for the knees but after downsizing, i found that i can accelerate and spin faster. it paid off. 
07-10-09, 07:11 AM
#28
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46x16 Lots of long, slow rollers in this area. There are some 18-25% grades within my riding area, but I can route around them when I'm on my SS. Or do switchbacks if I can't avoid them. It's tough on the drivetrain, though...not to mention my knees. 
Had an early doctor's appt in town yesterday, so I loaded up the SS w/trunkbag/seatpost combo on the rack and had a real nice 40 mile ride home via the Natchez Trace Parkway. (My wife works in town) Was amazed at the amount of SS/FX traffic in the Vanderbilt area and in Nashville in general. Seemed like NOBODY was riding a standard geared bike. Hipsters, Freds, Roadies, Commuters...my estimate was 100 just in the Vandy area. Seems SS/FX has gone beyond 'trendy' or 'niche' and entered mainstream cycling. The combo of low maintenence, favorable terrain and 3 local lbs' stocking them has probably contributed to the rise. It was fun riding around a checking out everybody's rides...should've had a camera and I will next time I go into town.
BTW, saw a couple of 'tall bikes', too.
Had an early doctor's appt in town yesterday, so I loaded up the SS w/trunkbag/seatpost combo on the rack and had a real nice 40 mile ride home via the Natchez Trace Parkway. (My wife works in town) Was amazed at the amount of SS/FX traffic in the Vanderbilt area and in Nashville in general. Seemed like NOBODY was riding a standard geared bike. Hipsters, Freds, Roadies, Commuters...my estimate was 100 just in the Vandy area. Seems SS/FX has gone beyond 'trendy' or 'niche' and entered mainstream cycling. The combo of low maintenence, favorable terrain and 3 local lbs' stocking them has probably contributed to the rise. It was fun riding around a checking out everybody's rides...should've had a camera and I will next time I go into town.
BTW, saw a couple of 'tall bikes', too.
07-10-09, 07:35 AM
#29
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48 X 17 on the fixed, 34 X 16 on the SS/Fixed MTB. My girlfriend rides 49 X 16.. Here in the ATL
07-10-09, 07:44 AM
#30
car dodger
48/17 on my "light" (17lbs.) bike, 50/19 on my heavier (20lbs.) bikes. Both work well for the moderately rolling terrain here (raleigh nc) w/ occasional steep hills.
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07-10-09, 08:01 AM
#31
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I've always set my road fixies somewhere in the 60 to 65 inch range. I just built up a new one with 40 x 17 (64) and my previous one was 42 x 19 (60). My cranks are always 165mm. I race track and am used to spinning a lot.
07-10-09, 08:57 AM
#32
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I use 47/17 with 25's... but quite frankly I don't think I've ever actually "spun out" this ratio. I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing though, I always feel in control even downhill.
07-10-09, 09:50 AM
#34
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07-10-09, 09:54 AM
#35
Bikes hella booty!
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07-10-09, 10:14 AM
#36
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47/19
stock steamroller gearing but it works well compared to everything else tried between 70-78 GI. ~68" is the best around here for me as it's hilly, i like the spin, i can accelerate quickly & i have 19 skid patches.
my freewheel is @ 47/17 but i rarely use it lol
stock steamroller gearing but it works well compared to everything else tried between 70-78 GI. ~68" is the best around here for me as it's hilly, i like the spin, i can accelerate quickly & i have 19 skid patches.
my freewheel is @ 47/17 but i rarely use it lol
07-10-09, 10:17 AM
#37
:)
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38x16 (summer trail and play)
38x17 (winter all around bike)
48x20 (summer all around bike)
48x16 (rides out of town (no hills)).
https://www.twinportscyclery.com/imag...akeAve_JPG.jpg
38x17 (winter all around bike)
48x20 (summer all around bike)
48x16 (rides out of town (no hills)).
https://www.twinportscyclery.com/imag...akeAve_JPG.jpg
07-10-09, 12:05 PM
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07-10-09, 12:09 PM
#41
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48/17 for Chicago and Milwaukee.
There are a few big hills, but mostly I struggle with intense headwinds.
There are a few big hills, but mostly I struggle with intense headwinds.
07-10-09, 12:58 PM
#45
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Its a free wheel... and the ratio is my natural set up on my much heavier/ackward geared bike.
I sometimes switch out the 52 for a 48 if I want to spin. But generally I feel that the higher gear ratio gives me the best workout during my daily commutes (15-20mi). Wind can cause some issues. But usually it only hurts one way. Plus it lets me go a little fast still without spinning like crazy.
I sometimes switch out the 52 for a 48 if I want to spin. But generally I feel that the higher gear ratio gives me the best workout during my daily commutes (15-20mi). Wind can cause some issues. But usually it only hurts one way. Plus it lets me go a little fast still without spinning like crazy.
07-10-09, 01:33 PM
#47
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back in Vegas,
48x17 for chillin
49x16 for kicking ass
f/23 Continental GP silk
r/25 Michelin Krylion Carbon
now I own a road bike so..
52x13
48x17 for chillin
49x16 for kicking ass
f/23 Continental GP silk
r/25 Michelin Krylion Carbon
now I own a road bike so..
52x13
Last edited by REMspeedwagon; 07-10-09 at 01:39 PM.
07-10-09, 01:42 PM
#48
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07-10-09, 02:50 PM
#49
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07-10-09, 03:17 PM
#50
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52x16 (fixed) 52x18 (free). Done it with loads, up hills & long-ish rides no prob. Like it MUCH more than the 46 ring I was running b4