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50 to what? Fixed gear build question

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Singlespeed & Fixed Gear "I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five. Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer? We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!"-- Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865 - 16 August 1940)

50 to what? Fixed gear build question

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Old 09-10-09 | 03:32 PM
  #1  
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From: Charlotte

Bikes: Cannondale R400S, Hercules convert Fixie.

50 to what? Fixed gear build question

Hey,
I am new to the fixed gear scene. I usually ride my Cannondale R400S (and even with that I am not too Bike savy). But I decided to build a fixed gear and really break into biking as not only a hobby but a way of life. Anyway, I already bought a 50 tooth chainring and crankset but I am not sure of what to do with my rear cog. My uncle told me to go with something in the 'teens. I will be doing minimal uphill / downhill, mostly city and flatland riding. Please advise. Thanks.
fixedmarxist is offline  
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Old 09-10-09 | 03:56 PM
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From: duluth

Bikes: '07 Pista, '09 Fantom Cross Uno, '8? Miyata, '67 Stingray, '0? Zoo mod trials, Tallbike, Chopper, '73 Schwinn Collegiate, '67 Triumph Chopper, '69 CB350, '58 BSA Spitfire, '73 CB450

ride around in one gear on your Cannondale till you find what works, the figure out the ratio you need with a little cross-multiply and divide.

say you find 53x18 a good ratio... just take 18 x 50 and divide by 53 to get the tooth count you want.
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Old 09-10-09 | 04:13 PM
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For a n00b, go for around 70 gear inches, so an 18 or 19t cog would be good to start.
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Old 09-10-09 | 04:18 PM
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old legs
 
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Originally Posted by mondaycurse
For a n00b, go for around 70 gear inches, so an 18 or 19t cog would be good to start.
don't take offense to the n00b part 70 gear inches really is a good place to start, or you can be a fool like me and jump in at 81 gear inches (what I used to ride a SS at) and blow up on the first hill you climb. BTW I ride 71 gear inches now
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Old 09-10-09 | 04:25 PM
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From: Charlotte

Bikes: Cannondale R400S, Hercules convert Fixie.

Thanks.. (I am a noob, so no offense taken)
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Old 09-10-09 | 05:04 PM
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Originally Posted by mondaycurse
For a n00b, go for around 70 gear inches, so an 18 or 19t cog would be good to start.
Noob? I prefer to keep my knees intact.
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