What is the Magic front ring to rear cog set up
 

I got me a sweet old school steel mtb and I am debating going the SS so what is a good ratio that will allow me to ride the NWNJ area with out to much trouble?
:rolleyes:

I can't suggest what gear inches will be right for your ability but here's a magic gear calculator.

I can't tell if that's a Magic Ratio question or a GI question.

When I convert olde MTBs for trail riding I like to go for about a 34x17, remove inner and outer rings, and adjust chainline with spacers on the freehub.

My grocery getter has 36x17 and 2.0" tires. That's pretty damn spinny for road use but that's what makes the bike fun! Easy wheelies!

51x13

Why stop there? Sounds like he's running freehub, so 53x11!!!

What is the Magic front ring to rear cog set up
 

Both the ratios seem unrealistic; I am saddened to find intolerance for the less fit by the accomplished riders. Comrade thehammerdog would be well advised to try out 38 to 18 with GI around 57 or thereabout. Happy miles friends,:notamused:

What?

Lurk more.

Woosh.

Gear ratios are like saddles, everyone's got a preference and what's bang-on for one person is not enough (or too much) for another person. For flat riding, a good starting point is 65-75gi (depending on how fast you want to go and your fitness). I use this calculator because it lets you put in a cadence and gives you approximate speed given your chosen ratio. Lower gi is better if there are some rises/hills, higher is better for pancake areas.

Same here. I was going to say that we can't suggest a ring and cog combination without knowing the BB-dropout distance, but I now think he used the term "magic" without knowing that it had a specific SS/FG meaning.
Anywhoo, around 70 g.i. is a good starting point, particularly if you're going to ride around town. It's big enough to do 20mph without a crazy high cadence, and low enough to keep every stoplight from being torture.

It hasn't ever bothered me in the slightest.

Perhaps you need to search for a more tolerant site.

So 53 up front and BMX hub with 9-tooth driver is out of the question?

I stopped using gear ratios.

gears and cogs are so 2012.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/...72_634x356.jpg