Two up front or one down behind?

[Roneblack46]

So I have been single speeding for 6 weeks now. Running a 29er HT with vertical dropouts and a tensioner. 32x18 at the moment. Best decision I made to do this, that is ride single speed. The FS has only been ridden once in this period. Now I am sitting with a decision and require some advice on the following: with the 32x18 I am easily averaging just above 20kph around the usual JHB routes. I feel I can up the gearing. So do I go 34x18 or 32x17?

 

Would the 34 upfront feel smoother?

By looking at gear charts the gearing should only be slightly bigger?

I have a bit of "give" on the tensioner so if I go 34 would I keep the chain size as is?

I know if I go 1 down on the back I will need to shorten the chain.

 

I must add I have a 34 already but will need to purchase a 17.

 

Any feedback would be appreciated.

[Hairy]

Simple rule of ss.....use what you have!

 

Fit the 34t and see how it rolls

[Ryno.]

It will be cheaper to buy a few cogs and change them prior to riding a certain terrain. When the 32t chainring wears buy a 34t amd you can still use the different size cogs on thr new ring.

[Roneblack46]

It will be cheaper to buy a few cogs and change them prior to riding a certain terrain. When the 32t chainring wears buy a 34t amd you can still use the different size cogs on thr new ring.

I have the 34 already. Just feels like on the 32 I am spinning like crazy. I am thinking the 34 will be smoother, especially on the flats.

 

If I am going to ride some serious gradient I can always change back to 32 with say a 20.

[Roneblack46]

Simple rule of ss.....use what you have!

Fit the 34t and see how it rolls

Thanks. Will give it a go.

[J∆kk∆ls]

With a 34 up front there will be less wear than a 32. 

 

I ran a 34-18 for a while and could climb almost anything! 

34-20 will be better for climbing but you will spin out quickly on flats.