What gear ratios are you running?.....

[BeardyAndyM]

I'm currently running 42/18 on my cyclocross bike and it can become a bit of a wrestling match on the longer gravel climbs!
Was thinking i could go 36 at the front as i'd rather spin out than blow up, thoughts are appreciated.

 

[rogerzilla]

If this is SS, downhills aren't an issue so just use whatever will get you uphill without wasting potential speed on the flat. 42 x 18 would be a good SS road gear (60") but something lower for off-road, yes. You won't be able to go much more than 20mph on the flat even on 42 x 18 - that's 110rpm and most people don't get full power down above 120-130 rpm. Trackies can, but they train for it all the time.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

It is a low cost option so just do it and see how you get on.

 

[Racing roadkill]

53-39 up front, 11-28 cassette.

 

[Ian H]

43t with a choice of 17 or 18 fixed on the back. I can stay comfortably above evens on the flat with either of those.

Usual wisdom, as above, is that you can gear lower with a freewheel.

 

[Threevok]

Was running 36/14 for commute.

Now it's set up for MTB mud and running 30/22

 

[BeardyAndyM]

53-39 up front, 11-28 cassette.

Your kind are not welcome in this section of the forum!

 

[TheDoctor]

39T chainring, 17T freewheel or 15T fixed.
62" is a nice gear for North Herts terrain, but can get a little character-building on bigger hills.

 

[PMarkey]

42x15 fixed,anything lower and I have to feather the brakes on the descents as my knees are only good for 160 rpm for very short periods

Paul

 

[mangid]

48x18 (70"), have done for 20+ years

 

[Milkfloat]

44x14 84" for me. However, I do stay away from the nasty hills, both up and down.

 

[ProAktive52]

Building my first fixed / free bike; Lombardi frame with Stronglight 2000 44t front and 17 fix 18 single on rear
Still searching for bits so no pics at this time but racer rosa site has similar frames (got mine for a steal in steel off the Bay)
Thoughts of headset type required if poss, thank you

 

[Deleted member 1258]

On my fixed I've been running 44 X 18 for the last few years, this winter I'm running 46 X 18.

 

[4F]

46 x 18 in the winter, 48 x 18 in the summer

 

[mangid]

46 x 18 in the winter, 48 x 18 in the summer

One of these years I'll get adventurous and try that ;-) Can be a bit hard some mornings getting the legs up to temperature.