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Gear Inches for Toronto - 16T or 18T

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Gear Inches for Toronto - 16T or 18T

Old 06-20-20, 12:25 PM
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draxz1289
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Gear Inches for Toronto - 16T or 18T

Hello,

I have a single speed with a 42T Chainring and a 16T cog on a 700cX28". I need replace the cog but I am unsure if I should get the 16T or 18T (70.20 vs 62.19) my terrain is mostly flat with the small elevation with the highest of 37 m

Last edited by draxz1289; 06-20-20 at 12:34 PM.
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Old 06-21-20, 07:54 AM
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I imagine you'd want the 16t for as flat as what I've seen of Toronto. I used to run a 42/18 for my 15m commute with just shy of 1k climbing.
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Old 06-21-20, 08:41 AM
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How did you find the 16T sprocket? If you are good with it, use it again. If your tired of fighting wind and don't mind a slightly higher cadence, go with the 18T sprocket. Lower gears can be more efficient against wind and climbing.

That said most people that buy these bikes aren't terribly concerned about efficiency anyway, And while fighting wind is harder with a higher gear, As long as we don't put too much pressure on our knees, Many folks ride one speed bikes for many years without any problems.

On my 21 speed comfort bike on flat land my 62 gear inch sprockets are in between the 55 and 70 GI I use on most rides. If I choose one it would be 62. 70 GI is too tall for going against the wind on a regular basis. But that's just me, Comfort is more important to me then speed and the right gear is a an important part of making my ride a pleasure rather then a chore.

I do like the simplicity of a single speed bike, But I prefer at least the 3 speeds available on an internal hub, that might have worked for me now, Just like it did when I was 13 years old. Actualy that 3 speed was the most fun bike I ever had with a gear for climbing, fast cruising, and normal riding with no derailleurs to deal with.

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Old 06-21-20, 08:47 PM
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Well I know here in Saskatoon we have a saying if the beaver doesn't fly you might get the whole heap, eh!

Try that there 17t cog, it's right in the middle.
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Old 06-22-20, 09:05 AM
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Originally Posted by draxz1289
Hello,

I have a single speed with a 42T Chainring and a 16T cog on a 700cX28". I need replace the cog but I am unsure if I should get the 16T or 18T (70.20 vs 62.19) my terrain is mostly flat with the small elevation with the highest of 37 m
I think better than asking us would be to have a quick conversation with your legs.
Ask them how they'd feel about changing the ratio.

I had a chat with mine, they had me start at 42Tx25T and then insisted I go 46Tx25T. Buy hey, that just my vintage chicken legs talking about the hills around here!

8-)

Barry

Last edited by Barry2; 06-22-20 at 09:17 AM.
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Old 06-22-20, 11:32 AM
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Originally Posted by Barry2
I think better than asking us would be to have a quick conversation with your legs.
Ask them how they'd feel about changing the ratio.

I had a chat with mine, they had me start at 42Tx25T and then insisted I go 46Tx25T. Buy hey, that just my vintage chicken legs talking about the hills around here!

8-)

Barry
Haha good response. I am fairly able to go up the inclines in Toronto just wanted to see if there is a huge difference between the 16T vs 18T given that most of Toronto is flat - or at least where I bike
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Old 06-22-20, 11:32 AM
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Originally Posted by veganbikes
Well I know here in Saskatoon we have a saying if the beaver doesn't fly you might get the whole heap, eh!

Try that there 17t cog, it's right in the middle.
Haha - I have no clue about that joke, you bring up a good point, will try the 17T
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Old 06-22-20, 07:57 PM
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Op.....I replaced the freewheel on my Langster with an ACS Crossfire a few years ago. Bike Depot (Thornhill) installed it for ~ $45 (parts/labour/taxes in)
It works fine and "clicked" very loudly when new. I kinda miss the announcement of my whereabouts....
https://www.amazon.ca/ACS-Crossfire-.../dp/B004JKPXAE
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Old 06-22-20, 08:17 PM
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After riding with the 18T, you will eventually move to the 16T.
i.e.
60 gear inches, in my opinion, should be the standard default for all bikes.
Not hard to start, not too fast.
But as you get stronger you will want the 70
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Old 06-23-20, 07:53 AM
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I think a lot of people get caught up in the magic of “xxT” (Teeth)

I was at 42Tx25T
I wanted 42Tx20T......... that is a 20% change, you can eyeball that.
I went with 46Tx25T...... using the eyeball method, that is a 10% change. (9.5% if you do the math)

I then negotiate with my legs for the additional 10%. Which in this case, they approved.

I find roughing the percentage a more relatable estimate.

so.... having 16T and going 18T is about 13%

Barry
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Old 06-23-20, 08:55 AM
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what is your ftp? is it for commuting or training? if you want to noodle around town without sweating profusely in the summer use the 18t and deal with spinning out on flats. if you are decent level of fitness and want to keep a higher speed use the 16t.
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Old 06-23-20, 02:51 PM
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Nothing wrong with having a few cogs on hand and changing for different scenarios. I live basically at the base of the mountains and everything is up--I ended up with 42x19 on my ss. I spin out really easy of course in some places, but at least this way I walk less - I can't go out the front door without going straight up. I also have a 17 and an 18 in my bin which I can easily swap out if I think I'm gonna take the bike somewhere flatter. But I "gear for climbing" simply because of where I live.
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Old 06-23-20, 07:54 PM
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Originally Posted by draxz1289
Haha - I have no clue about that joke, you bring up a good point, will try the 17T
No jokes here, friend just some good Saskatoonian wisdom, eh.
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Old 06-29-20, 09:50 PM
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I'm a bit south of you in Buffalo but we've got similar weather and topography, I went 39x18(yuck) to 42x18 to 42x17. I have 15 and 16t cogs also, but at a normal cadence with 42x17 I'm pumping out an avg speed of about 16 or 17 mph on my commute, and I still have enough juice and gearing to pump up higher inclines on my alternate travel routes and/or pound through distant yellow lights without roaching my thighs. 16 would be my next best choice, for sure
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Old 07-02-20, 10:35 PM
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Originally Posted by draxz1289
Hello,

I have a single speed with a 42T Chainring and a 16T cog on a 700cX28". I need replace the cog but I am unsure if I should get the 16T or 18T (70.20 vs 62.19) my terrain is mostly flat with the small elevation with the highest of 37 m
Depends where you live in the city, if you are only riding east and west, stick with 16. If your ride goes north/south north of Bloor, go with the 18. I ride 42/18. I can cruise around and still get a good top speed, use for commuting with panniers, and have no issues riding hills like Poplar Plains.
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