Single speed gearing - sprocket or chainring

[Flippa]

32x19 rigid 29er. Fine for me for most places, except where there are long flat drags, then I spin out.

[peadar]

What gear ratios do most of you use?

 

I run a 32 chainring front, and vary the sprocket 16 or 18. With 16 i find some climbing just too tough, but with the 18 again the climbing is fine but then i spin out on a flat road. .

29er or 26er?

[kennyg]

34 :17 29er rigid.

 

Pretty much ride everything. Long climbs get tough, short tech sections catch me out sometimes. Tar is just a spin out.

[Firemeister]

29er or 26er?

29er

[TALUS]

I have been wondering about a "hybrid". Not a S/S - so avert your eyes now if you are a sensitive cyclist. I had a mechanical during the 94.7 and ended up with only 53x11 and 39x11 as options. The uphills were tough but I thought I lost only about 7 min of cycling time (more stationary time while trying to sort my rear der.). It was good not to spin out on the downs. Is it mechanically possible to do 2 blades up front and a single at the back? It will be reasonably light and simple. Any thoughts?

[NINER_boy]

I have been wondering about a "hybrid". Not a S/S - so avert your eyes now if you are a sensitive cyclist. I had a mechanical during the 94.7 and ended up with only 53x11 and 39x11 as options. The uphills were tough but I thought I lost only about 7 min of cycling time (more stationary time while trying to sort my rear der.). It was good not to spin out on the downs. Is it mechanically possible to do 2 blades up front and a single at the back? It will be reasonably light and simple. Any thoughts?

 

 

Mechanically impossible to do do 2 blades, unless you keep the rear derailleur.

 

There is another answer to that question, a Dingle setup.

That is a 2x cog and 2x chainring setup, where the two different ratios require exactly the same chain length.

 

So you will have a bigger gear for the flats and downhills, and a lighter climbing gear.

 

Have a look at the Surly dingle setups.

Not REALLY SS-ing, but I think a good option

 

The trick is, you will have to stop and remove the wheel, manually shift your chain and fit the wheel again.

 

IMO, ideal for looooong trecking expeditions.

 

Welcome to the SS madness, it is the best fun you can have with your legs closed!!!

 

Happy hoopin

Edited November 23, 2013 by NINER_boy

[NINER_boy]

My ratios,

 

34 (q ring) 19 currently, just because I am unfit.

 

Otherwise, mostly 34 x 18

 

I mention the Q ring, as the oval effect makes it closer to maybe a 35 on the long end.

 

29" bike rigid.

[NINER_boy]

Oh yes, back to your opening question.

 

I swop cogs, easier than a chainring.

 

Gearing wise, there is a "smaller" gearing increment per tooth change up front vs tooth change at the back "cog" side.

 

Track cyclists use this to the fullest extent, but for slower speeds MTB and offroad riding, the calculations are not done like that to a "per second" measurement change per lap accuracy.

 

So, my advice, get a range of at least 2 cogs, good quality ones like Surly, and ride them like they're stolen.

They have a nice thick base so won't dig into your freebody and will last well.

 

PS, on the velosolo SS cogs, I had a pair, but they wear out waaaaaay to fast!!!!

I don't think I got 2000km out of my 19, so chucked them.

 

I know they are affordable, but you get what you pay for, and I needed more lifetime from them.

 

Happy hoopin

 

 

[Ryanpmb]

I have been wondering about a "hybrid". Not a S/S - so avert your eyes now if you are a sensitive cyclist. I had a mechanical during the 94.7 and ended up with only 53x11 and 39x11 as options. The uphills were tough but I thought I lost only about 7 min of cycling time (more stationary time while trying to sort my rear der.). It was good not to spin out on the downs. Is it mechanically possible to do 2 blades up front and a single at the back? It will be reasonably light and simple. Any thoughts?

The trick is, you will have to stop and remove the wheel, manually shift your chain and fit the wheel again.

 

IMO, ideal for looooong trecking expeditions.

 

Welcome to the SS madness, it is the best fun you can have with your legs closed!!!

 

Happy hoopin

Can be done with a spring loaded tensioner and a FD and shifter.

[ShawnMano]

29er mtb 34-18

700c road 45-19

[Lone_Ranger]

Lone Ranger, the 32x16t on a 26er is nice.

 

Currently running a 32x20t on the inbred 29er and am starting to feel strong enough to give the 18t a spin again. A 19t would have been great, but I could not find any when I was looking.

 

I see www.rapide.co.za are stocking 17 tooth cogs now. Thinking of getting one. I'm sure they'll make a plan to get a 19 tooth one if you ask nicely.