I just got my first singlespeed bike but I'm unsure what gear ratio I should use. currently it's 42/16 but I dunno if that's the best bet for me.
the bike is only meant to be a pub bike and for the odd blast about town.
as the bike (se draft lite) is a cheap hack I don't want to spend too much on it so I'll probably stick with the 42 chainring for now but will I improve the ride at all by moving to a different freewheel (will also have a crack at fixed when I eventually get some spd's sorted) if so what sort of tooth count should I go for? more or less than 16?
I'm sure all the boutique riders would disagree but I have to say there is nothing wrong with S.E duder :P I have a Premium Ale myself.
Great BMX heritage and they used to build frames and forks for S&M Bikes back in the day. I love it to bits, can't really say a bad world about it.
Started on a 46:17 (factory stock) recently swapped for 48:16 as stock parts were wearing badly. One thing you have to watch with S.E's: Well built frames shitty component parts.. Rip as much of the stock shit off as you can.
You'll find 42:16 is sweet enough for riding around town, enough to get up to some good speed should you want to. Beware the transition from single to fixed, it's very different, you'll find it unusual at first, it will be natural to stop pedaling when your legs get tired Don't... unless you fancy doing your best Superman impression..
When you feel that ratio isn't pushing you hard enough try a 48:16. It requires a bit more 'pump' but once up to speed the results are worth it..
Clip-less pedals, on London roads. Have to say, you if are thinking off going this direction, especially on a fixed, you are a braver man than I. I've just taken mine off and gone back to straps.
After being knocked off by a van a couple of weeks ago. Going over the arse over apex is one thing, but when the whole bike comes with you because you can't get the old feet to disengage quick enough, that's something else entirely. Lucky escape during rush hour traffic. Not something I would want to repeat regularly.
Much respect all the nutty couriers and racing snakes that are running clip-less pedal's but they are not for me. I was always much more confident with me straps, least you can get your feet out quick.
I'm sure all the boutique riders would disagree but I have to say there is nothing wrong with S.E duder :P I have a Premium Ale myself.
Great BMX heritage and they used to build frames and forks for S&M Bikes back in the day. I love it to bits, can't really say a bad world about it.
Started on a 46:17 (factory stock) recently swapped for 48:16 as stock parts were wearing badly. One thing you have to watch with S.E's: Well built frames shitty component parts.. Rip as much of the stock shit off as you can.
You'll find 42:16 is sweet enough for riding around town, enough to get up to some good speed should you want to. Beware the transition from single to fixed, it's very different, you'll find it unusual at first, it will be natural to stop pedaling when your legs get tired Don't... unless you fancy doing your best Superman impression..
When you feel that ratio isn't pushing you hard enough try a 48:16. It requires a bit more 'pump' but once up to speed the results are worth it..
Clip-less pedals, on London roads. Have to say, you if are thinking off going this direction, especially on a fixed, you are a braver man than I. I've just taken mine off and gone back to straps.
After being knocked off by a van a couple of weeks ago. Going over the arse over apex is one thing, but when the whole bike comes with you because you can't get the old feet to disengage quick enough, that's something else entirely. Lucky escape during rush hour traffic. Not something I would want to repeat regularly.
Much respect all the nutty couriers and racing snakes that are running clip-less pedal's but they are not for me. I was always much more confident with me straps, least you can get your feet out quick.
Good luck, be safe :D