thinking about converting to singlespeed, ratio suggestions?
08-22-12 | 05:15 PM
#1
Thread Starter
commu*ist spy
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,462
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From: oregon
thinking about converting to singlespeed, ratio suggestions?
I have a short commute of 3 miles, and my town is relatively flat, and I basically never change gears unless it's really windy or really hot. I was wondering what it would be like to ride with a singlespeed. After some intense gear counting, I determined that I typically use the ratios 52:15 (for 700c) and 52:18 (for 27"). But I also realize that ss cranks are a lot smaller, so I'm hoping to get some suggestions for the gear ratio.
08-22-12 | 05:17 PM
#2
Banned.
Joined: Jul 2006
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08-24-12 | 01:51 PM
#4
Sir Fallalot
Joined: Jul 2006
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I have a short commute of 3 miles, and my town is relatively flat, and I basically never change gears unless it's really windy or really hot. I was wondering what it would be like to ride with a singlespeed. After some intense gear counting, I determined that I typically use the ratios 52:15 (for 700c) and 52:18 (for 27"). But I also realize that ss cranks are a lot smaller, so I'm hoping to get some suggestions for the gear ratio.
That said, as a longtime SS cyclist (feel free to call me a singlespeed fanboi), I think that the lower gear ratio of the two, 52:18, would perhaps suit you better for riding across town, because of the frequent stop-start situations. You'll appreciate the better acceleration. If your commute where 10+ miles with little to no traffic (or traffic signs), I'd suggest the higher.
Regarding cranks: I've always used 172.5 cm or 175 cm cranks on my SS bikes. You'd need shorter cranks (I assume) if you were riding fixed gear, for safer cornering. An experienced fixed gear cyclist might correct me, if I'm wrong.
08-25-12 | 08:57 AM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: NorCal
Bikes: A growing pile of them.
I've got a 52:18 ration on 700's with 165 cranks in a town with some big hills. Takes a little getting used to to go down the hills on a fixed gear with no brakes, but it's not bad for getting around.
08-25-12 | 11:32 AM
#7
Not actually Tmonk
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: San Diego, CA
Bikes: road, track, mtb
remember... gear ratio is proportional to penis size... just sayin'
having said that I ride a 53/11
having said that I ride a 53/11
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"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
so high, my heart cannot bear the strain." -A.C. Jobim, Triste
09-02-12 | 04:39 PM
#8
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: O.C., SoCal
Take a look at Sheldon Brown's gear calculator, to get an idea of gear comparisons https://www.sheldonbrown.com/gears/
I agree with Dan, that a 42/16, which with 700x23 tires gives 69" of progression is optimal for a variety of terrain/conditions. I've used 49/19, which gives 67.8", for years, and it's worked well for me, flats or hills.
I agree with Dan, that a 42/16, which with 700x23 tires gives 69" of progression is optimal for a variety of terrain/conditions. I've used 49/19, which gives 67.8", for years, and it's worked well for me, flats or hills.
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