barlows

Guys, I know my question might be answered more quickly in the SS/FG forum, but I'm looking for specific DFW knowledge. I'll probably be picking up a Trek T1 in the next couple days, and it looks like it comes with 49x15 which equates to about 86 gear inches. On my geared bike I spend a pretty fair percentage of time in 53x19 which is only 73 gear inches. That's no small difference.

For you experienced fixed gear types in the DFW area, what kind of ratios are you running? I can pick up a couple extra cogs, but I'm inclined to just pick the bike up and ride it while before worrying about changing it.

Thanks,
Steve

Hobartlemagne 

I have a 45x17 (69.6 GI) setup on my fixie, and I do fine even on long rides down to White Rock Lake
and back. I've tried many combinations to get to this gearing, which I think is ideal for this
area.

Doggus

Running 46X17 (71 gear inches) right now since it's early season. Middle of the season I'll generally run 48x14 (90).

c_m_shooter

I run a 42 tooth ring and a 15 and 17 on either side of my wheel. Most of the time I ride on the 15 side, but it is good to have a bail out option if my legs give out on group rides, or for windy days like today.

barlows

Cool, thanks guys. Sounds like I better plan on picking up at least one extra cog, something in the 17 or 18 tooth range to get down into the 70s on GI.

Thanks,
Steve

kevinmcdade

I'm most comfortable with ~70 gear inches. Much less than that and the downhills will kill you. I would rather grind up a hill than spin out of control going down a hill.

Doggus -- you are a monster!!! I've always known you to be a strong rider but I didn't know you were running 90 gear inches on the street. I run that on the track but have never attempted it on the street.

StephenH

Depends on where you're going. White Rock Lake and White Rock Creek trails are easy and just about any gearing will work. My cruiser bike is 44:22 gearing. On my previous 18-speed mountain bike, I could ride it in high gear, whatever that was, around the whole course.

MPH2

I run the standard 46/16 or 75 GI. I have done several 50 mile group rides now with that set up and it seems to handle everything nicely, but riding fixed is a lot more work regardless. You need to attack the climbs and stay on top of your gear for as long as possible to keep from grinding up the hills.

barlows

Well, I picked it up today. They didn't have any 18 tooth fixed cogs, so I went with 17 on the fixed side and left the stock 18 tooth freewheel cog on the SS side. The 17 puts me at about 75 inches, so it should be okay to start out with, we'll see.

Just waiting on the eggbeaters to show up now (I had a performance gift card with some money left on it). I had the stock bar changed out for a Profile Airwing bar and a single Cane Creek TT brake lever. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to wait for the pedals and I'll steal the SPDs off my geared bike so I can go raise hell!! Good times!!

Steve

kevinmcdade

Congratulations on the new bike! Riding fixed is addicting! I ALWAYS have a fixed gear bike in my stable.

MPH2

this thread is worthless without a photo :-)

barlows

Okay, here's a quick one:

Now I'm off to work, first commute on it...it should be interesting...

Steve

barlows

Well, no disappointments on the ride in. A couple of things I noticed:

1) The gear I ended up with is fine. It actually seems a little easier to push than a similar gear does on my geared bike. I wonder how much power is actually lost in the transmission of a typical geared bike.

2) It may take a while to get used to stopping at lights. I almost fell to the side that was still clipped in once. Haven't done that in a while.

3) This frame is stiff, quick, and light. I'm super impressed with the T1 so far. The're seems to be a little extra noise coming from the chainring, but that could just be a regular fixie thing.

4) I've been spoiled when it comes to lighting. My other bike has a light with 3 Seoul P4 LEDs, running off LiIons and putting out gobs of light. The little MiniMag LED that I've got velcroed onto the stem of this thing isn't nearly as bright. Maybe I'll pick up a Fenix or something like that. I want to keep it simple and light.

5) This fixed gear thing will make a man of ya. I can just about commute in my sleep on my road bike, but my legs were pretty wiped when I got in tonight. It's 18 miles each way, with not many hills.

Anyway, I'm sure none of this stuff is any different from other's first fixed experiences. I'm just jazzed about it, so I thought I'd share.

Doggus

It's the weight of the geared bike that you're missing.

MPH2

1) Party foul: it is not a drive train side photo.
2) There should be a little play in your chain, yours looks pretty tight. If the chain is stretched it is harder to pedal. When in the stand the pedals should spin free and easy.
3) Red just makes you go faster! Nice looking rig!
4) 36 miles on a fixed oh yeah that is a work out. When slowing and using the break try to relax your legs and not "engine brake"

kevinmcdade

Great advice, MPH! That chain looks like it is very tight which could also be contributing to the noise.

barlows

Thanks guys, I'll check that out.