Gear ratios for no brakes riding...

Is it easier to lock up the rear wheel with a smaller front drive chainring (42t or less) paired with a larger rear cog (18t+)?

Currently I'm riding 48t with 16t at the rear,
I'm unsure how it would compare if I changed my setup...

As always thanks for your help in advance!

[edit]16th June 2009, I've noticed that the Guardian have linked here... how weird. It's not the best starting point, you should probably hit the home page and see what takes your interest http://www.londonfgss.com/ [/edit]

Yes it is. Your ratio is over 80 inches and 70 or less would be much easier on your knees.

Some Fixdgearlondon riders slide around on low or sub 60s

Is it easier to lock up the rear wheel with a smaller front drive chainring (42t or less) paired with a larger rear cog (18t+)?

Currently I'm riding 48t with 16t at the rear,
I'm unsure how it would compare if I changed my setup...

As always thanks for your help in advance!

A smaller front will make things easier by itself (that is without getting a larger cog)
A larger rear cog will also make things easier by itself.

My point is that you do not have to change both to make skid stopping easier.

So instead of changing both your cog and your chainring by a couple of teeth or so - you can make a bigger change to just either the cog or the chainring and get the same result (get the same gear inches).

It would be cheaper to just drop your chainring down 4 or 6 teeth to achieve an easier skid as your chain length would shrink (so you don't have to buy a longer chain) and you don't have to buy a new larger cog.

Use this gear calculator to work out gear inches:

http://software.bareknucklebrigade.com/rabbit.applet.html

I hope you're not riding brakeless on 48x16. What you riding, a bianchi pista?

lower the chainring to 42, or buy an 18/19t cog. and a brake.

If you don't know how to skid, you shouldnt be riding brakeless.

50/14

accept no substitutes

+1.

it's the way forward.

it'll certainly ensure continuous forward motion, oh yes.

hip hop don't stop

stopping is for communists.

just to state the obvious:

48:16 = one skid patch. not a good idea.

48:17 = 17 skid patches, much better. much more friendly gear. but still quick.

hhsb and trick rider 42-18 ,42-19
winter gear keep legs warm.44-17
summer gear 46-17. good nice gear
ally cats..44-16
track gear 46-14
race gear 50-16, 50 -15
hope this helps..m

hhsb and trick rider 42-18 ,42-19
winter gear keep legs warm.44-17
summer gear 46-17. good nice gear
ally cats..44-16
track gear 46-14
race gear 50-16, 50 -15
hope this helps..m

I'd definitely recommend a selection of gears for different conditions. Especially handy if you ride double-fixed. You can get used to different ratios but also have something to fall back on if you've got a really long ride and you need comfortable gears, or you're messing around and need a shorter gearing.

I find 44-16 works well for everything. Good from a standing start, you can spin out on the flats but it's not so big you can't slow down with leg braking (although I also run a front brake for emergencies), and I can skid stop when I want to.

The 'when I want to' bit is important - when you run a lower ratio it's important to be under control when you brake. I've tried lower ratios where the moment I've started leg braking, I've lost traction in the rear end - which can be very disconcerting.

If you have to ask the question you shouldn't be riding brakeless.

Mine:
46x16 brakeless nice weather bike
44x16 pub/fun/rain brakeless bike
48x16 distance bike w/front brake(that doubles as the H/H bike sans brake)

Thanks for all the advice everyone!
Much appreciated.

To answer the questions, I am riding a Vivalo, with 48 x 16 currently brakeless.
But unlike you guys I'm not living in the hustle and bustle of London.
It's pretty calm on the way to and from work in sunny Southsea.

Thanks for the advice and info!

I'll jump on this.

44/22 - Polo bike
44/16 - Commuter/Hack/Throw around and bunnyhop everywhere bike
47/17 - Nice Bike for on the road
47/14 - Nicebike at HH

I'm riding 44/17 on my daily, and 45/17 on my Vivalo.. brakeless (well, the daily commute has a brake, but I didn't use it once this year).. it's about 69", seems to be quite a nice compromise.

I should point out those are all brakeless gear inches.
I also ride a 54GI offroad (with brakes).

50/14

accept no substitutes

To quote build... 'epic ratio'

20/100 if you park your bike on platform 11 at Waterloo.

mine
48/18
48/19
49/18
49/19

What about hills - I live in the south lake district area and want to ride fixed - any gear recommendations.

Much love

One that lets you get over the hills and not die going down them. 65"*

*I've never been to see your lakes, nor do I have any idea where they are other than oop norf.

49*20 on the road
49*14 on the track

FTW

Where in the Lakes? My folks have a B&B in Lindale - nr Grange.