48:16 -> 48:17, yay or nay?
 

I've been riding 48:16 for 3 years, pretty use to it. I am now considering going to 48:17 to help with hills and starting up after stopping. Do you think my overall ride will be faster with this lower gear ratio or should I just keep on trucking along at 48:16? I don't skid anymore (well rarely) so the change is not for the increase in skid spots. Looking for feedback from others who lowered their gear ratio. Did it make you faster or slower overall?

Recently did the change myself to my kona paddy wagon commuter along with a dura ace lockring swap; but that's because I rarely use my front brake although I have one for emergencies, a 17T cog gives plenty more skid spots on a tire, therefore prolonging its life.

I found going uphill to be easier.

Would I have to get a new lock ring too? Wont the lock ring for my 16t cog do the trick? Are there benefits to "upgrading" a lock ring?

I made the exact same switch after riding on 48/16 for a couple months. I noticed a big difference and found it much easier to pedal and skid. Starting high makes it easier to go low :)

Cool, that is what I am thinking. I like big gear ratios but am starting to think I will actually ride faster if I go just a little lower (I like riding fast).

I wanted to go to 48/18, but I get more skid patches with the 17T cog :(

I skid if there is a hot girl watching. Otherwise I just use my front break. :thumb:

Atta boy!

I went from 48/15 to 48/19 and I love the change! I definitely wouldn't say I'm faster, but I'm more consistent, speed-wise. Especially tackling the steep hill on my commute. My knees love me now.

48/15, ouch!

Would it be much of a difference if I went from 48x18 to 48x17? I run a front brake but I do skid occasionally. I know I'd gain 13 skid patches but would it make my pedalling harder?

im topping out on my bike and i want to change my ratio to something for faster ride. im at 39/16. recently bought a 14t that was recommended to me by a LBS. is that the same as running 43/16?

1 tooth on cog equivalent to 2 teeth on chainring?

Nope but its strongly recommended however if you're using a stock aluminum lock ring and to replace it with a Dura Ace steel lockring for safety.

spin to win

----->19

19

Not going to do that. Pretty content with 48:16, it's fast, tough at times but fast. Thinking I will end up going with 17 just for a little relief on hills. Not trying to ride some wimpy gear ratio.

19

Agreed. It will feel odd at first. But your form and cadence will likely benefit from the ease of spin.

lol What are you trying to prove?


anyway, it's worth trying different ratios. I've tried the whole range

Originally rode 48/16, then I dropped to 46/17 and I got really used to it. The I sold my wheelset the day before an alley cat, so I borrowed a friends rear wheel but it had a 15t on it. Needless to say I was in pain the whole race, well, at least until my front tire blew and I had to call it quits for the day >.<

Just today I switched cogs with another friend for a 16t, I found it easier, but I still like my 17. Maybe even moving up to an 18 soon. I don't have a front brake (have to get it fixed still) so when I had the 15t on it was a PAIN to stop much less skid...

I'm running 48/15 right now and climbing up hills is the worst. It really limits where I can ride my bike because where i live we have a lot of hills. Most of my friend's houses are up some pretty steep hills too so it forces me to just drive places. I'm looking to change to maybe a 17t cog. What significant changes should I expect other than spinning more?

You'll go a lot faster when you spin more.

Spinning is good.

it burns the lungs. it's a good burn