what gear inches range is good?
08-27-11 | 03:21 PM
#1
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what gear inches range is good?
current riding a single speed. my gear inches is about 65 right now, it is too low. I am planning to get a new freewheel and that will bring it up to 75. is it still too low? toronto is flat, hills are no problems. should i try in the 85 to 90 gear inches range?
08-27-11 | 03:27 PM
#2
yoked
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,594
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From: S
From Sheldon Brown's "Singlespeed Bicycle Conversions" page:
85-95 GI is really high. That's track racing gearing. You will find that any hill, even a small roller, will be almost impossible to conquer.
Generally, for street use, with a freewheel, I would recommend a gain ratio of around 5-5.3, for instance, a 42 tooth chainring with a 16 or 17 tooth sprocket.
You'll see other sites recommending "2:1" gearing, which typically gives a gain ratio of about 3.7. That's good if you are going to be riding off road on steep mountain trails, but a gear that low is maddening on the flats and particularly on pavement, because your speed will be limited by the tendency to "spin out."
You'll see other sites recommending "2:1" gearing, which typically gives a gain ratio of about 3.7. That's good if you are going to be riding off road on steep mountain trails, but a gear that low is maddening on the flats and particularly on pavement, because your speed will be limited by the tendency to "spin out."
08-27-11 | 03:28 PM
#3
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Fontana, CA
Bikes: Mercier Kilo TT, Specialized Tarmac
Good read: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...imer-for-Newbs
It's hard to tell online wich gear ratio is good for somebody. We all have different fitness levels, riding styles, etc. I do think, its worth trying out for yourself. Try to talk to your LBS if you can return/replace the cog/freewheel if it doesnt fit your needs. My LBS certainly gives me that option (another good reason to have a good relationship with your LBS).
It's hard to tell online wich gear ratio is good for somebody. We all have different fitness levels, riding styles, etc. I do think, its worth trying out for yourself. Try to talk to your LBS if you can return/replace the cog/freewheel if it doesnt fit your needs. My LBS certainly gives me that option (another good reason to have a good relationship with your LBS).
08-27-11 | 03:31 PM
#4
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Basra al Basrah Iraq
Bikes: Dawes SST Al (2011) Trek 1000 (2003?)
Whats comfortable for one person may not work for the next.
So posting questions like this is like asking for someones opinion on how Brussels sprouts tastes... I love them but many hate them
So posting questions like this is like asking for someones opinion on how Brussels sprouts tastes... I love them but many hate them
08-29-11 | 05:09 AM
#5
バカスゴい
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 256
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From: Kobe, Japan
Bikes: IRO Mark V Pro with FBM Sword fork, Ridley Oval,
How can anyone tell you what's comfortable for you? Are we to also answer for you boxers or briefs. Go to a bike shop and hop on a road bike and try the different gears and the gear that feels the most comfortable use for your singlespeed. There are people that ride 53x16 with no complaint everyday and people that ride 33x16 everyday with not complaint, in the same town.
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