SS ratio off 44:16

[TwistingMyMelon]

• of not off

Excuse my ignorance, but tempted by a Single speed on ebay for my daily commute, which is 10 miles flat ish , with a 8-9% 1/2 mile climb at the start.

The seller says it has a 44:16 ratio on @ the moment

I'm thinking it might be too big for the climb, but still doable, if I decided to change could I just change the sprocket at the back or would I need a new chain as well, what options would I have

Cheers in advance

[DrMekon]

Assuming 700c wheel and a 28mm tyre, it's around 74" (gear inches - how far the bike moves forward for each crank rotation).

Just chuck an 17T or 18T (if you are more of a twiddler) shimano bmx freewheel on there and you'll be fine.

I'd go for the 18T myself.

Here's the thing - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-bmx-freewheel/
You'll need a removal tool, and whether you need a new chain depends on how much room there is in the dropouts. Can't say without looking.

Personally, I'd get the freewheel in my lbs, pay them to fit, and see if they have a couple of spare PC1 links laying around.

Edited by DrMekon on Friday 24th January 15:47

[Watchman]

TwistingMyMelon said:

... or would I need a new chain as well

Likely, yes. Having said that, do you know other cyclists in the area? I've a few pieces of different types of chain in my spares. Midlands.

[TwistingMyMelon]

Cheers for the advice chaps, will see how I do in the auction

[DB531]

DrMekon said:

Assuming 700c wheel and a 28mm tyre, it's around 74" (gear inches - how far the bike moves forward for each crank rotation).

Just chuck an 17T or 18T (if you are more of a twiddler) shimano bmx freewheel on there and you'll be fine.

I'd go for the 18T myself.

Here's the thing - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-bmx-freewheel/
You'll need a removal tool, and whether you need a new chain depends on how much room there is in the dropouts. Can't say without looking.

Personally, I'd get the freewheel in my lbs, pay them to fit, and see if they have a couple of spare PC1 links laying around.

Edited by DrMekon on Friday 24th January 15:47

Formula for calculating gear ratio's is, multiply dia of wheel x the number of teeth on the chainwheel and divide by the number of teeth on the rear sprocket.

Probably aim for about 65 to 68ins which may require both C/ring and sprocket replacement.

[okgo]

46-16 for me, gets me up most things without too much hassle.

[47p2]

44T-16 will give you a gear inch of 72.4" and at 21.5mph you will be doing 100RPM cadence

44T-17 will give you a gear inch of 68.1" and at 20.3mph you will be doing 100RPM cadence

44T-18 will give you a gear inch of 64.3" and at 19.1mph you will be doing 100RPM cadence


My S/S has a 48T-18 giving a gear inch of 70.02 and 20.9mph at 100RPM

Edited by 47p2 on Saturday 25th January 00:34

[Rouleur]

I think you'll find 8-9% for 0.5 miles seriously hard work in that gear TBH. That's a decent gradient and it's too long to attack especially at the start of your ride. As said though you should be okay to play with the ratios.

[47p2]

You'll manage fine with that gear, you just need to MTFU for a few days then it will be plain sailing from then on


I've yet to be beaten by a climb when out on the S/S, here are a few of my rides

[Jimbo.]

IMO you're better to spin faster on the flats so as to make the hills bearable, than to pick a gear for the flat and grind your way up hill (which is just plain st). 44:18 sees me up to high 40s on the flat quite comfortably, and means the hills can almost be enjoyed...

[shalmaneser]

I'm running 42-16 and it's fine for most things. I've done London to Brighton a few times on it and it's been fine.

[47p2]

42T-16 will give you a gear inch of 69.1" and at 20.5mph you will be doing 100RPM cadence

[RCBRG]

I also ride 42-16, and it's pretty perfect for my stop-start commute. Spin out a little early, but wouldn't want to go much harder a gear just yet