What's your favourite gear ratio?

pompino - 16 - 48

About 6 months ago I went from 46x15 to 46x16.

Since then I started playing around with wheelies and suck so moved up on the back.

I am now running 46x17, which I really enjoy. Only thing is it feels a bit too spinny down hills. Suppose I will get used to it though.

48x19 (66.6") I have a lot of stop-start and a bit of a hill when I get home, but it's spinny fun hte rest of the time.

I did ride 46x18 (69") But my son's got that bike now.

Long 20's, short 21's for ten miles

Similar sort of average rpm as I can manage on 53/14. Always interested as there are people doing all kinds of cadence on fixed, so just knowing what gear they are on is no guide to how fast they'll be going.

How do I calculate my gear?
Teeth on the crank v teeth on the sprocket?

let the rabbit do it for you

Ta rik, in that case I think my gear(inches??) is 64.5! 44 x 18.
higher inches = more speed right?

This is the how the bike came as standard. I want a 16 rear sprocket to up my speed a bit right?
Is the chain length critial in this?
And if I understand it a track chain and crank will mean better strength (less chance of chain break under pressure) and increased control??

or just learn to spin faster.

Cheaper.

On Pearson Touche for 12.5 mile (each way) commute to Town. was riding 48 x 20 ie 64.8'' in the spring, but flipped it over to spin less fast downhill in Richmond Park, to 48 x 19 68.2''. Its always a bit of a struggle to get up Broomfield Hill, though usually I make it.

my only option at the mo! wish I could afford one of those pretty spotless fancy custom bikes. But alas no.

But information is power and I can get a rear sprocket cheap.

My problem is lack of retention, and thieving royal mail! - missing pedals.

or just learn to spin faster.

Cheaper.

higher inches = more speed right?

nop, the speed is in your legs

Is the chain length critial in this?

yes, less teeth, less chain

And if I understand it a track chain and crank will mean better strength (less chance of chain break under pressure) and increased control??

nop, at least for you that are starting (yes for Hoy)
and nop, again, "increase control".... dont drink, sleep 8h, that sort of things

Similar sort of average rpm as I can manage on 53/14. Always interested as there are people doing all kinds of cadence on fixed, so just knowing what gear they are on is no guide to how fast they'll be going.

For ten miles, I like to average 87rpm. I've done loads of testing, and it seems that i produce the best power at 87-88rpm.

In road races, I can spin really nicely. I can hold 140rpm for 30 minutes on a smaller gear, but for high power output, it seems 87rpm is best, so I select the gear based on what time i want to achieve, knowing 87rpm is my optimum cadence.

I want a 19 next year, so I'll have to up the gear again. If I'm really flying, in the sort of form you only get once or twice a year, I might see 90rpm. But 87rpm is king !

Got it, ta for the education rik

Leg speed is not a prob i dont think. Foot retention is whats holding me back!

nop, the speed is in your legs

yes, less teeth, less chain

nop, at least for you that are starting (yes for Hoy)
and nop, again, "increase control".... dont drink, sleep 8h, that sort of things

where do you live/ride?
65inches should be fine for most of London, as Pifko say, spin faster, in the long run your knees will thank you

read this

SE, Grange road - I'm not too fussed about changing the gear, though i think 16 sprocket would make me more comfortable, the chain feels loose at times. But disclaimer - I currently have no retention!!

ta will read the page - that "quixote" guy looks kinda like Brian blessed's dorky brother!

For ten miles, I like to average 87rpm.

I'm all about 86rpm myself, that seems to be what I manage for my best rides. Definitely find averaging much over that too spinny, but I haven't really tried dropping the cadence even more to see if I'm actually at the sweet spot yet.

And the knees are already hurt from kickboxing and basketball! riding is actually quite comforting! BUt disclaimer - im not doing anywhere near what you lot do in terms of miles!!

That bloke talks sense! much simpler and less cumbesome as he puts it. sound reasoning.

Ta once again rik.

he is the guru of bikes, anything you wnat to know, check with him first
my pleasure

47 x 19 or about 65 gear inches (OEM chainring)
Changing to 48 x 18 just over 70 gear inches, a wee bit less spinny.

I've just gone from the stock 42x16 to 46x16. Wasn't sure what to expect as first time I've changed gear ratio but love it. I tend to get out the saddle more to get going but this is more than made up for by the reduction in spin at pace. Stuck some chain tensioners on whilst I was at it and enjoying the lack of movement from them too.

spin to win

Well that for now till an impending move to the west coast of Scotland might force something a bit easier. The gradients are a little less friendly than good old London.

180

53x11 on this baby.

i think you should start organising the funeral for your knees now. chicks don't care about high ratios.