Need help with current 48/16 with 170 cranks
 

I am currently using a 48/16t with 170 cranks and wondering how I can make it skid a little bit easier. I have no problem making it skid (takes more effort than it feels) and have the whole process down but looking for a new ratio that might skid with less effort and on those short notice skids/stops. I live in south Philly and moving to NYC next week so getting my bike ready for changes in case there might be a better set up. What do you suggest for an aggressive rider and still have decent top end speed? I have used the search function and everything else but could not find exactly what I needed or at least could understand as being the information that I need to make my bike skid a little more effectively.

Also, how do most people run their chains? I run might a little bit loose so it helps skid better.

Get an bigger cog ha?

What size do you recommend?

you're gonna have to play with it until you get the right feel. I'd jump to 18 since I don't feel much difference in 1 teeth changes

Awesome, I will order an 18t and try that out. How different will that be compared to the 16? What are the pros of going to the larger size?

I switched to 18 to boost my cadence and reduce leg fatigue in long distance. I haven't had much riding since then but in theory, it should do both those, make hills easier, and make applying back pressure easier. I don't skid so I don't know how much you would need to change so like I said, you're gonna have to test the waters

Keep your 16, but go to a 46 (or maybe even a 47). As flat as NYC is, you'll still need some top end, so the very slight gear inch reduction you'll get with a 46 may get you the best of all worlds. Going to a 17 or 18 in the rear will make a much bigger difference, too big for the streets of NY, IMO. Check it out on a gear chart.

I have two fixes; one with a 46x16 that I ride around here on a moderately rolling course, and one with a 50x15 that I take when we go on vacation along the very flat Atlantic coastline so I can still get a great workout.

I'd roll a 48x19 over the 48x18 since I think 48x18 has only like 3 skid patches so you are going to be eating tires/having to rotate them. 48x19 is also A-OK with maintaining speed, if I try I can average around 20~mph, you just need to spin it to win it.