SS Gear Ratio's for Fair Edina?

Hi folks,

Single speed noob here trying to gauge a decent gear ratio for Edinburgh. (I know there are a lot of variables)

Im currently running 46 - 16. Which is fine for the most part but after 3 or 4 climbs from Stockbridge up to Bruntsfield I am labouring big time.

Having said that, im loving the training...so man up or make it a little easier?

I’m in Cornwall so very hilly and run 48x17. Anything around 71-72gear inches works for me.

I run 73” and it gets me around town and the hills route ok.

Fixed I run at 69” down south and find it good for hills, but occasionally light overall

You are currently running 77”

Nice one chaps! I have now got my head around the numbers game and reckon 47/17 with 28c tyres should be the very man. Puts me at 73" will give that a bash.

According to the calculator I used, I'm currently at 76" with 46/16 and 23c tyres.

Cheers.

Been on 48x18 on 28c for 10+ years now commuting from Leith into town, no major complaints besides having to avoid certain climbs: Bell's Brae just coming out of the Dean Village being one I skirt, just ascend the steps to the back of the swimming baths on Belford Road. Your legs will get used to it/the hills.

Another way to get used to it is to come one one of the hills rides

Every Tuesday

Few sweet fixehs and me on my SS....

I'd say just try a few ratios. Personally I prefer a lighter gear than @Ecobeard and others upthread, something in the low to mid 60s. It's about personal preference. But a rule of thumb is gear the single speed a bit lower than the fixed.

But a rule of thumb is gear the single speed a bit lower than the fixed.

Of course I do the reverse of this 😂

I'll take you up on that eventually! Should have my All City built up by next week fingers crossed Can't do fixeeeeh eh, cheese knees ken. I'm all brakes n no style.

Im going to give 73" a bash n take it from there. Will work off a 47t chain ring.

Also, i'm not commuting, im feeding lazy people....relatively successfully. Theres only so many times you can force yourself up the cobbles at 76" I'm finding.

Cheers folks.

I'm all brakes n no style.

Some would call my uncool but I've got a fixed with two brakes and I think it's ideal.

I'd still say gear down if you have knee issues.

Looking forward to seeing the finished build

There you go eh... Different strokes...

I'm in the dblebrk club as well, I think its waaay cooler than having brklss technology installed.

Are the Tuesday rides still happening? I'd be cheating with a 3 speed bike.

Sorry I missed this

Yes it’s still on but we are already at the limit of 7 for this week

Sign up to the forum and watch the IG though to get in early for two weeks time!