What's your favourite gear ratio?

http://www.fixed.org.au/2006/11/27/why-skid-spots/ interesting read!

48x18 for shopping
50/51x15 for outdoor track league
53x14 for TT training
53x13 for most TT racing

Although I have a race next month that may require 52x12 (117") so we'll see how I get on there...

Xav

48x18 (FSA Gimondi / Shimano Freewheel) but I live ine a very hilly part of Paris. This allow me to climb even tired after a working day, under the rain without problem
This ratio 48x18 is too low for flat area, If I lived in a flat area I'd use at least 48x16

On the flat at reasonnable spinning average speed is around 23/25 km/h and donwhill would require a huge lot of spinning (it's the reason why I use a freewheel)

Luc

48x18 for shopping
50/51x15 for outdoor track league
53x14 for TT training
53x13 for most TT racing

Although I have a race next month that may require 52x12 (117") so we'll see how I get on there...

Xav

Xavier, were you the winner of the Orbital Crit at Goodwood amongst a range of other events?

Having ridden 44x16 on my fixed, I'm planning to get a new crankset so might as well a new cog(s) for my flip-flop hub, what would you suggest for someone that goes to the velodrome 2-3 times a month but uses the same track bike on the streets to train that rides brake-less and has occasional hills(I can power though the hills on my current gearing)

A brake?

Xavier, were you the winner of the Orbital Crit at Goodwood amongst a range of other events?

Yes that was me :) I did the TT on fixed as well but came 2nd unfortunately

Xav

Having ridden 44x16 on my fixed, I'm planning to get a new crankset so might as well a new cog(s) for my flip-flop hub, what would you suggest for someone that goes to the velodrome 2-3 times a month but uses the same track bike on the streets to train that rides brake-less and has occasional hills(I can power though the hills on my current gearing)

49t ring and 19 or 18 on one side then 15 or 16 on the other.

Having ridden 44x16 on my fixed, I'm planning to get a new crankset so might as well a new cog(s) for my flip-flop hub, what would you suggest for someone that goes to the velodrome 2-3 times a month but uses the same track bike on the streets to train that rides brake-less and has occasional hills(I can power though the hills on my current gearing)

I'm 48 with a 17t and 14t

Yes that was me :) I did the TT on fixed as well but came 2nd unfortunately

Xav

Thats a shame! Your a machine, nearly threw up trying to keep you in the crit.

Haha cheers - I try and do my best

49t ring and 19 or 18 on one side then 15 or 16 on the other.

I'm 48 with a 17t and 14t

Thanks

I've got a pre cursa coming next week, from teh classifiedz - Just getting back on the bike after a long hiatus (t boned by a cabby)

It has a 48t upfront.. what would be the best starting point, 17/18/19t? is 3 skid patches really that big a big deal if you ride with teh front brakzzz? (edit: city riding/flats)

I'll probably order all 3 but any input is welcome.

I have a 17t and 19t on the back with a 48t, I wouldn't bother with the 18t.

48/19 is a classic mid-sixties tooling around gear, I wouldn't bother with anything else

^ Just put 48/19 on one of the bikes, glad to hear tester approves :)

To the tester approves thread!

Hi guys,
Just got my first fixed gear, i haven't rode in ages so my fitness and muscle strength isn't that good.

So as Im just getting used to riding fixed (an interesting / fun sensation) what gear ratio would you advise? The bike currently has 48/15 on it and from what I've read this might be a bit high to start off with? I was thinking of either going 44/15 or 48/17?

Any opinions would be really appreciated, sorry if i come off a bit clueless Im new to this and don't know that much yet :)

48/17 ftw!

48/17 is much too high for an unfit person starting off on fixed, I'd go 48/19

Yeah, that's the other, lazy side of my wheel, also a good gear.

48/17 all day long and 48/19 for the "i am so tired i cant move" rides

^^^^ no wai! first fixed, not regular riding
^^^ yes, if not a 20. move down a rear cog at a time once your knees are built.

if you're riding clipped in, get a bike fit as a start.
(see knees thread for incentive)

Hey guys,
I'm building a single speed (with brakes) and wondering about gear ratios. I normally ride a nippy steel audax with 39-50 double crankset..

I've read a few threads about preferred gear ratios but I can't find much explanation about why each is preferred.. My legs are pretty good and I'm looking for a pretty rapid set-up that's good for fast commuting in London. Not fussed by skid patches as will have brakes.

Any help appreciated

Spin don't mash.