"Anyone have opinions on 48/14? Thinking of fitting that ratio on my new 725 build."
It depends… So many factors in play e.g. your physique, technique and style of riding and so on, let alone environment and terrain. Where will you be riding and for what purpose?Joyriding secluded from traffic and commuting through London during rush hour, might require two different setups. Will you be riding brakeless, or brake-free as I prefer to call it? The list is endless.
Personally I struggle with a cadence over 120r.p.m., hence I tend to go for a relatively high gear ratio, in order not to seriously compromise my top speed. A gear ratio around 2.9-3.1 equivalent to 75-80 gear inches (typically 49/16 or 49/170) seems "right" on most rides and enables me to maintain a cruise speed of 25m.p.h or there about.
Most skilled "can't stop-won't stop" riders would probably find a 3.4 gear ratio (48/14) equivalent to 90 gear inches a little too high in an urban environment, as it would more than likely somewhat limit your acceleration and ability to decelerate without skidding or braking. The trade-off of course would be a higher/easier cruise speed.
Like I said, it depends... In my humble opinion, taking everything said into consideration, learn to spin and go for the lowest feasible gear ratio you possibly can. In reality It always boils down to personal preference - trial and error really - so whatever you do, play around, use a gear inch/skid patch calculator if applicable and and don't limit yourself to a set ratio before even getting on your bike.
It depends… So many factors in play e.g. your physique, technique and style of riding and so on, let alone environment and terrain. Where will you be riding and for what purpose?Joyriding secluded from traffic and commuting through London during rush hour, might require two different setups. Will you be riding brakeless, or brake-free as I prefer to call it? The list is endless.
Personally I struggle with a cadence over 120r.p.m., hence I tend to go for a relatively high gear ratio, in order not to seriously compromise my top speed. A gear ratio around 2.9-3.1 equivalent to 75-80 gear inches (typically 49/16 or 49/170) seems "right" on most rides and enables me to maintain a cruise speed of 25m.p.h or there about.
Most skilled "can't stop-won't stop" riders would probably find a 3.4 gear ratio (48/14) equivalent to 90 gear inches a little too high in an urban environment, as it would more than likely somewhat limit your acceleration and ability to decelerate without skidding or braking. The trade-off of course would be a higher/easier cruise speed.
Like I said, it depends... In my humble opinion, taking everything said into consideration, learn to spin and go for the lowest feasible gear ratio you possibly can. In reality It always boils down to personal preference - trial and error really - so whatever you do, play around, use a gear inch/skid patch calculator if applicable and and don't limit yourself to a set ratio before even getting on your bike.
As for spinning...