Is anybody familiar with the Prouty century in New Hampshire? I've got friends up there who are doing the ride, and I was invited along. They're kind of novices, so I have no doubt I can hang with them. But I'm riding fixed (48x17), and I can't tell from this elevation chart if this is a bad idea. Maybe I should go singlespeed?

I usually do centuries on 48x18, but I usually have between 2,500 and 7,000 ft climbing. Given that total gain is only 838ft, you should be fine with 48x17. Good luck.

(And of course, I say this without knowledge of your cycling history or current fitness level).

A good idea if you have a flip flop hub is a 19T on the other side in case you lose too much steam for 17T mid-way.

Palu, thanks. I'm pretty stoic, and I've been commuting fixed for about 9 years now. I'm fatter these days, but even more stubborn. And Leukybear, I thought of that, but the other cog is a 16, and the ride's in a week, so...

[MENTION=45916]Bklyn[/MENTION] - Hey, are you sure you've got the right elevation map?

According to this, you're looking at about 3k ft for the 100 miler.

https://theprouty.org/wp-content/uplo...ofiles.sw_.pdf

Gearing wise, I'd go 18T and go with a 19 or 20T Freewheel on the flop side.

I think these maps are from the same site. But I'm now alarmed. Maybe I'll pick up an 18T. It's a century; I don't really see myself spinning out madly on the flats, but at the same time, 48x18 is going to be exhausting going downhill....

Thanks for all your help.

46X16 fixed.

Again, thanks to all. I was suitably alarmed and swapped out the 16T for an 18T. That was a very good idea. There are some serious hills around the border between New Hampshire and Vermont, it turns out. I'm not sure I would have finished the ride without an 18T cog. (On the other hand, the downhills were deadly!)

I'd recommend the Prouty to anyone, but I seemed to be a real minority there. I didn't see a single bike without a derailleur, and those few who noticed me — probably wondering why the hell I was bombing up every hill so fast — all commented on my "singlespeed." I was too out of breath to stress the distinction.

I find 45x17 a challenge on longer hills. You guys are monsters. Respect.