I know I know.
USE THE SEARCH.
To be honest, there is just SO much on this forum, it's a bit overwhelming.
So I'm making a thread about my specific question.

I'm new to riding fixed, and currently riding a 48/16 setup with 170mm crank.
I'm thinking of getting a 160mm crank with 46 teeth.

I live in central IL, and have slight hills, but nothing too drastic.
Was wondering how much of a difference I will notice.

Thanks for the help.

i donno, the change in teeth might be counteracted by the shorter crankarms. It might end up being no difference, I'm not sure. Use a gear inch calculator to get a specific answer. you can google it.

well using Sheldon's gain ratio calculator(which incorporates crank length), it seem there will an insignificant change.

Go for it. Don't forget to readjust your seatpost height after you get the shorter cranks.

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/gears/

With all respect to Sheldon, try this online singlespeed and fixed-gear cycling calculator:

https://software.bareknucklebrigade.c...it.applet.html

The calculator above will define all the terms, such as "Gain Ratio," "Gear Inches" and "Development" in very understandable and usable language.

The calculator above also allows the user to see the impact of gear changes on all parameters, in real time, as well as showing mph at various rpm.

For the OP, try prime numbers, such as 47/17.

To the OP:
Prime numbers are good if you intend to do any skidding. If you do not intend to skid, prime numbers make absolutely no difference.

i'd do 48/17 instead. cogs are cheaper.

Yes, correct.

I don't skid (expensive tires), but, nonetheless, I like prime numbers for aesthetic and emotional reasons.

And, I wonder if riding with prime numbers doesn't spread the workload and stress more evenly throughout the drive train.

Crank arm length has no effect on gearing, only on the radius of your pedaling arc and the perceived effort of pedaling. In that sense you're right, the 160mm cranks will give him a little less leverage but the slightly lowered ratio will make pedaling easier, so it might even out in terms of perceived pedaling effort.

Interesting question. Intuitively, I'd say yes.

That's a big change..From 79.1 Gear Inches to 75.8 Gear inches.

Gain ratio from 48/16 with 170mm crank arms = 5.91
Gain ratio from 46/16 with 165mm crank arms = 5.84

Gear ratio 48/16 = 3.0
Gear ratio 46/16 = 2.88

I'd be much more comfortable with 46/16 to save your knees. If you're strong enough, stick with your 48/16. But, obviously it's a problem since you're starting a thread over it..

Intuitively I would say no.