Loving life without gears...

[Mongoose!]

So the big question:

 

WHAT IS THE MAGIC SS GEAR RATIO?? (front and rear) and what ave cadence are you doing with it?

 

Also have a machine here I am thinking of to convert...

[henningvr]

I don't know about "magic" gear ratio, as I don't have nearly enough experience. I think it all depends where you live as opposed to a magic number per se. Some of the other SS guys will be able to give a better idea.

Having said that, I am currently riding 32x20, but I live in an area with loads of climbs/steep hills etc. So far I'm happy with this ratio.

[NotSoBigBen]

You need to resign yourself to the fact that you'll always have the 'wrong' gear I guess ... 32*20 for me at Thaba

 

Sent from my LG-D958 using Tapatalk

[Stretched@Birth]

So the big question:

 

WHAT IS THE MAGIC SS GEAR RATIO?? (front and rear) and what ave cadence are you doing with it?

 

Also have a machine here I am thinking of to convert...

There is no "magic SS" ratio, it's different for each person. Depends on your riding style, fitness and strength. I ride 32 x 16, started with 32 x 19. I like to stand when climbing, and ride at a fairly quick tempo, others like to "grind". Depending on where I'm riding, the ratio might hurt, but I'm too lazy to change ratios for different conditions.

 

Start out with a 2:1 and work from there.

[henningvr]

Mongoose, this might be helpful: http://gears.mtbcrosscountry.com/

[Stretched@Birth]

Was just looking back through my photos, and realized that Tuesday was my 6th anniversary of riding without gears.

 

 

My first SS...

[Neill Du Toit]

 

My rear hub is a Rapidé SS hub, so no option for gears, unless I have my wheel rebuilt.

 

Never seen that rapide ss hub before. Can you post a pic? O,yes. Great ss write-up. Agree 100%

[henningvr]

Never seen that rapide ss hub before. Can you post a pic? O,yes. Great ss write-up. Agree 100%

Here's the Rapidé SS hub. Wheel is dished on both sides:

 

[Allrounder]

sko that looks nice

[Pieter1]

Henning I share your exact sentiments. Except my bike needs better stoppers and some new hoops. All in due time tho.

[Monark]

I run 32/18 and enjoy the ratio. I can ride almost anywhere with the ratio and my legs don't take a massive beating all the time. I am not a strong rider so this is just from my experience.

 

For me a SS is just a bike. It is however a bike that doesn't make it feel like a training ride or an obligation. When I need to clear my mind and have a moment of reflection I take the SS out. None of my other bikes allow that.  

 

Don't know and cant say why.

 

I don't come from money and built a lot of my early bikes, many of which were SS. They introduced me to freedom and empowered me. For that I will be eternally grateful.

 

Don't be one of those SS riders who preaches like a crazed religious zealot, don't try and convince people or explain why you ride a SS. When people enquire why you ride a SS just reply "because I do". Keep it your dirty little secret...

[henningvr]

Good advice here ^^^, cheers.

[BaGearA]

my ratio is 30 x17 now ...feels okay but I'm going to a 16t this weekend , will see from there 

[the nerd]

I run 32/18 and enjoy the ratio. I can ride almost anywhere with the ratio and my legs don't take a massive beating all the time. I am not a strong rider so this is just from my experience.

 

For me a SS is just a bike. It is however a bike that doesn't make it feel like a training ride or an obligation. When I need to clear my mind and have a moment of reflection I take the SS out. None of my other bikes allow that.  

 

Don't know and cant say why.

 

I don't come from money and built a lot of my early bikes, many of which were SS. They introduced me to freedom and empowered me. For that I will be eternally grateful.

 

Don't be one of those SS riders who preaches like a crazed religious zealot, don't try and convince people or explain why you ride a SS. When people enquire why you ride a SS just reply "because I do". Keep it your dirty little secret...

 

go to answer...

 

Just a bike choice! 

[henningvr]

Yeah, this is my one and only bike choice, so if I got a tad over-excited, you know why  (I finally found what worked for me, and it's lekker.)

 

Now that the bike is sorted, I have the fun task to get two young men (my sons) educated. This bike will be my steed for the next few years at least. 

[danthunders]

It is just personal preference. It's all about having fun! I honestly struggle getting my head around the whole gear thing. There are times I wish I had some when climbing, but by the time I reach the top it comes a distant memory.