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Looks amazing and good to know about the gear ratio!
It'll be 46 x 18/20 for me so fingers crossed that'll be all good.
hollow__legs-
Thanks, Eamesy.
I think I would gather a few chain rings and sprockets (and chains) and work it through on a trial & error basis, adding in some science as you get to know how easy/difficult it is to ride over different terrain. Personally, I would start low (46x20 or lower) and work up. I don't know how you ride or how strong you are. Also, you'll work out what is the best compromise. If you're only going to be shredding the trails, I would go lower (although, expect some speedy feet on the descents). If you'll be mostly on road, you'll need something higher, or you'll just get frustrated. I reckon you may want to try a lowish free gear. That way, you can climb pretty well and run less risk of tangling your legs up. But, I hear you say, where's the fun in that?!?!
Good luck and have fun experimenting!
Jimbonic
I ran 42x18 when I set mine up for a bit of lightish dity off-road fun. It was, erm, entertaining. It was a compromise between being able to get up the hills (could do unless it was really muddy) and not having a heart attack on the descents - it's quite fun trying to keep up with the pedals.....!
If you're interested, below is my current set up (changed to 46x18 and 40 mm city tyres). I run 40 mm tyres on 19 mm rims with little problem. Current disc front wheel is a Mavic Aksium. Seems to do the job, but more road orientated.
I just have slightly slopey, forward facing drop outs. They work.
Have fun!