Barberton SS Marathon

[bees]

I was wondering if there is anyone planning on doing the Barberton 75km Marathon on their single speeds.

 

Since this would be my 1st Marathon on a single speed I would appreciate some advise on gear ratio for this race.

 

I currently run 33/14 and mostly ride farm roads for there isn't that much hills where I train. I do realise that the 14 rear would probably be suicide for the Barberton.

 

So I am open for suggestions.

[EZRider]

Good luck! I'll be using all 20 of my gears in Barberton, there is close to 2300 m ascent over the 75 so choose a climbing ratio. Not much flat at all so you should be good for the descents too.

[Tuxstir]

I would aim for something more like a 28' that area has um a few hills

[PYGA1]

I'm riding my ss at Barberton, chatted to Grant Usher, he reckons run 34/18 in jhb and 34/20 out of town (mpumalanga, berg etc)

[dirtrider]

a 32/18 would be good .

[Heel Drop]

balls of steel

[divernick]

I would say 34x20, or even 32x20, depending on your climbing ability. I would run 32x20 personally.

[NINER_boy]

I would say 34x20, or even 32x20, depending on your climbing ability. I would run 32x20 personally.

 

+1 on that!!!

[bees]

Hey guys thanx for the advise. I forget to mention my bike had 26" wheels.

[dirtrider]

32/18 for sure

[Clinton H]

You are in for an epic ride my mate !

I assume you are a monster on a single speed .

[bees]

Divernick: when it comes to climbing ability, I always thought I could climb fairly good untill I did the sabie marathon last year........ I almost saw the light. I will not underestimate the terrain again.

 

So reading all the advise I'm starting to think I should try 33/18 and maybe take a bible with.

[bees]

Thx dirt rider

[bees]

Clinton: I wouldn't say that I'm a monster. Pls join me then we can assume together. EPIC ride you say?:-D

[bees]

Pyga1: is the 34/20 ratio for out of Jhb for a 29"?

[PYGA1]

Pyga1: is the 34/20 ratio for out of Jhb for a 29"?

 

Ya, the 34x20 is for a 29er