Single Speed - what gear for what race

[yeboabe]

Been slowly started racing my SS at most of the races but since i am new maybe there are some riders out there that have done some of these race and can help with the gear selection for the specific ride??

 

Marathons:

Nissan 70km:

# Down and Dirty: used a 17 but could have gone 16 or 15

# Diamond rush: using a 17 this weekend

# Hazeldean: 16 or 17

# Teak place: 17 or 18

 

MTN 75km:

# Baberton: have heard i should use a 20??

# Crater Cruise: go 40/16 maybe and walk the climb??

# Hilton 50 miler: 18?

# Sabie: 20?

# Clarens: 20?

# Attekwas: 20?

 

XC Lap racing:

# Phambili: 18 or 19

# Fountains: 18 or 19

# Rietvlei: ??

# .....

 

 

Other:

# ....

[Jules]

Looks like you've already got a good idea. Crater I rode a 38X17 so I'd say you're over-geared there.

 

Hazeldean is fast. You need something a bit heavier. I did it on a 14 this year.

 

Phambili and Fountains are well suited to a 20.

 

The real tough choice is Clarens because the first half of the race is so different to the second. If you ride a 20 you will feel horribly under-geared in the first half but your gear will be perfect for the second half. I rode an 18 there last year with some success.

[Baroudeur]

I'm assuming you're on a 29er?

32 chainring?

 

I usually ride 34-16/17/18 depending on the course, but have not tackled a race with big, long climbs yet.

 

Will probably ride 34-17 in Cullinan

 

I don't have the Watts that Jules has, so I suppose it depends on individual strengths and preferences.

[Hairy]

Been slowly started racing my SS at most of the races but since i am new maybe there are some riders out there that have done some of these race and can help with the gear selection for the specific ride??

 

Marathons:

Nissan 70km:

# Down and Dirty: used a 17 but could have gone 16 or 15

# Diamond rush: using a 17 this weekend

# Hazeldean: 16 or 17

# Teak place: 17 or 18

 

MTN 75km:

# Baberton: have heard i should use a 20??

# Crater Cruise: go 40/16 maybe and walk the climb??

# Hilton 50 miler: 18?

# Sabie: 20?

# Clarens: 20?

# Attekwas: 20?

 

XC Lap racing:

# Phambili: 18 or 19

# Fountains: 18 or 19

# Rietvlei: ??

# .....

 

 

Other:

# ....

 

I just wish I could enter as many races as you .. even if they sound very flat