What's your favourite gear ratio?

is there an "ideal" RPM? i am current 46/18 which (when adjusted for tire size and crank length) is 68.4GI, giving 18.3mph at 90RPM. Am going to 44/18 which gives 65.4GI and 17.5mph at 90RPM (using sheldon). basically, because i like to spin.

51/17 `and recently when ipass 30mph<, (rabbit says ~135 rpm), cue some struigling to maintain caintenance.

Observation: spins easier on flat (from volition)
Limp wheeling down hill >30; not such plain sailing.

In summary:
A++ good gear would ride again. Recommended main street function, possibly)

46 x 17 = 71.4"
As I'm about to change to a 47T ring, I might do what I've been thinking of and giving the knees even less stress by going to
47 X 18 = 68.9"

is there an "ideal" RPM? i am current 46/18 which (when adjusted for tire size and crank length) is 68.4GI, giving 18.3mph at 90RPM. Am going to 44/18 which gives 65.4GI and 17.5mph at 90RPM (using sheldon). basically, because i like to spin.

I think 87-90rpm is idea for sustained high speed riding. I've tried slower, and i've tried faster, but it seems to work for me. I believe, however, that the hour record, which is probably the best test of sustained riding, is usually run at 102rpm ? Or i may have dreamt that !

I think 87-90rpm is idea for sustained high speed riding. I've tried slower, and i've tried faster, but it seems to work for me. I believe, however, that the hour record, which is probably the best test of sustained riding, is usually run at 102rpm ? Or i may have dreamt that !

thanks

the hour record, which is probably the best test of sustained riding, is usually run at 102rpm ? Or i may have dreamt that !

Pretty much everybody was around that, the only notable exception being Graeme Obree.

Your 87-90 is for an average cadence in a time trial. I ranged from 61 to 117 on Saturday for an 86rpm average. If I were on a track, where I could maintain a constant cadence, I'd probably go a little higher, but TT gearing is a compromise which has to take account of the ups and downs. Also, some people are quite successful with average cadences substantially outside the 87-90 range, both higher and lower, so the only correct cadence for racing is the one which gets you to the finish in the shortest time.

i used to ride a 52/12 and didn't have a problem with it at all, worked out to like 117GI, i've dropped it down to a 46/12 which is like 103GI and it seems too light. i'm more of an anerobic excersizer but i dunno. don't think i could live a 70 or an 80.....

44/16?

Hi y'all. Not a noob but some noob Qs: I have just got a single speed bike for the road - woo hoo. Picking it up on Sat. Seller says she thinks it's as above. This sound reasonable? Or should I take cog with me to change?

Awlsooooo...its single not fixed. Sheldon sayz go straight for fixed. I can ride fixed in circles but have fear of riding fixed in straight lines.

However, its got brakes n that.

And I have foot retention n that. Should I fix it, or single it?

44/16 sounds bang on the money for general riding around town. I used to run 52/16 but it was awful pulling away from lights. i find 44/16 gives you the acceleration necessary when pulling away from junctions but isn't too 'spinny' when you're on the straight.

Ive just built a single speed with a ratio of 44/18. A few things need finishing off first then it will be ready. I live in a hilly area, will this ratio be okay?

That sounds fine for hills as it is on the low side for road use.

I have a 49T 170mm miche advanced chainset I have just got BN for £10 (i assume this is a good price), I'm using it on my first fixed build, any recommendations, I live in quite a flat area and avoid hills but want to get the skids down.

HELP A NOOB

Spinny for skidz ... Maybe try a 19 or 20 rear cog. It's tempting to use to hard a gear when you start out, but don't do it.

And stop avoiding hills. They're good for you.

I've gotten used to my 36x13. Hills are not a problem but the local mountains are.

Thanks, I reckon i'll go for a 19 for increased skid patch amount, I will go look for the hills in the summer..

I have a 49T 170mm miche advanced chainset I have just got BN for £10 (i assume this is a good price), I'm using it on my first fixed build, any recommendations, I live in quite a flat area and avoid hills but want to get the skids down.

HELP A NOOB

10 quid for a miche advanced chainset is a stupidly low price. you would have 20 skid patches if you go 49:20 and that gearing would be best suitable for tricks. 49:18 would be a gear to use in the summer and you won't be pulling too many tricks on that one. still i think it's best for speeding or long trips. be sure to have a front brake if you go 49:18 or even 49:19. at 49:20 you wouldn't need it too much.

number of patches for 49:19 would be 19;
number of patches for 49:20 would be 20.
look up this link:
http://software.bareknucklebrigade.com/rabbit.applet.html
it's useful.

About to be running 50 X 13 in the city. With a break, but I'm now having second thoughts.

any best ratio to use while getting used to fixed gear riding??

If you look up two posts there's the answer staring at you.

I always find Read/Thethread is a great one

About to be running 50 X 13 in the city. With a break, but I'm now having second thoughts.

Unless you are Chris Hoy joined under an alias you should listen to those thoughts.

My favorite gear ratio is the best gear ratio

Your new avatar is crap though

Unless you are Chris Hoy joined under an alias you should listen to those thoughts.

50/12 would be better

Your new avatar is crap though

I don't know what to do, I might just have no avatar. Fuck this shit