What's your gear ratio?
05-08-18, 10:48 PM
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What's your gear ratio?
So I tried searching and couldn't find a thread where people just post their choice of gear ratio(s for multiple bikes). No arguing about it just your ratio and why you chose it for where/how you live/ride.
Mine is currently a 53-19. Because I got used to living in flatter places than I currently do.
Mine is currently a 53-19. Because I got used to living in flatter places than I currently do.
05-09-18, 02:22 AM
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For fixed road riding, I'm usually on 48-17. I can push it up hills pretty well and maintain decent speed at a comfortable cadence on flats. Longer/steeper climbs make me want a lower gear, but I've still been able to get up some good ones on it (though they hurt like a mother****er). And I have a 15 on the other side for track sessions.
05-09-18, 06:22 AM
#3
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I live in Florida, so 99% of my riding is flat. I'm also just coming back to cycling after a few years off, so my legs and overall fitness aren't great. I run 48x18, or 70", which feels just right. Fast-ish group rides are a bit spinny, but getting over the one short climb I do regularly encounter isn't too bad even when I'm tired and facing a headwind. I can see myself going to 48x17 or 48x16 soon, though.
05-09-18, 07:51 AM
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I live in FL too and there isn't much elevation. The hills I do ride typically are short and can be pushed up at a relatively quick pace. I ride 48x15 (84gi) most of the time, but sometimes want a bit more spin so I swap to 48x17 (74gi)
05-09-18, 08:09 AM
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71" (45/16) in spring/summer/fall, 59" (42/18) in winter, although I'm thinking of dropping to 56" (42/19) next winter.
05-09-18, 09:46 AM
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Was running 46/16, but with the winds we get here in the Columbia River Gorge I went with 46/17. Very happy so far.
05-09-18, 10:05 AM
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48x16 offers a pretty good challenge on the open road.
Sometimes a 15 tooth sprocket goes on for long, flat rides on the rail trail.
Sometimes a 15 tooth sprocket goes on for long, flat rides on the rail trail.
05-09-18, 01:20 PM
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46x16 for pretty much everything, I have a 17 I used to swap in but figured there was really no reason to.
05-09-18, 10:08 PM
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46x19 on 27" wheels, or 65 gear inches. But I'm generally a slowpoke, and am happy to bring up the rear. I'm also in an upright riding position, so I have to live with the aerodynamic penalty.
Riding this ratio has actually been a bit of a challenge, and forces me to ride faster in order to get into a decent cadence. When it gets too easy, I'll find a bigger ring or get a hub that lets me change cogs.
Riding this ratio has actually been a bit of a challenge, and forces me to ride faster in order to get into a decent cadence. When it gets too easy, I'll find a bigger ring or get a hub that lets me change cogs.
05-09-18, 10:23 PM
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So I just found a decent gear inch chart. I've apparently been riding a F*$&ing stupid ratio (the above stated 53-19) at 75 gear inches.
I also don't feel like as much of a weiner eyeing this 43 chainring anymore.
I also don't feel like as much of a weiner eyeing this 43 chainring anymore.
Last edited by Gurge; 05-09-18 at 10:24 PM. Reason: Edit
05-09-18, 11:24 PM
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I took Sheldon Brown’s advice and went with 42x15 (75”). An excellent middle ground for speed and getting up hills.
Last edited by mavimao; 05-09-18 at 11:28 PM.
05-10-18, 10:24 PM
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42/15 or 17 t road
51/15 track
51/15 track
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05-11-18, 08:56 AM
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46/19 (64" on 25c tires) with a lot of longer rolling hills of 5-8% grades and steeper, punchier climbs in the 10-12% range in my area and I'm currently sitting at 225lbs so I opted for a lower GI. Overall I'm able to make most hills in the area but quickly spin out on the flats so I take that as a much-needed recovery period until the next set of hills.
More seasoned SS roadies in the area have suggested 46/16 (76") so I'm gradually working that direction.
More seasoned SS roadies in the area have suggested 46/16 (76") so I'm gradually working that direction.
05-11-18, 10:16 AM
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45x17 on my Gitane TdF conversion, 42x16 on my purpose-built Mercian, both of which are roughly 70-in gears on 28 mm Panaracer Paselas. I mostly ride over rolling terrain in an area bounded by man-made lakes. I keep 45x19 or 42x18 (63-ish-inch) on the other side of the hubs, but it's been a while since I did any serious dirt road cycling.
05-11-18, 10:16 AM
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I'm in a pretty hilly area and in the city i needed to be able to accelerate a bit quicker. So I dropped down to 68gi and it's been alot easier and quicker to get around. If I were on a fixed gear I would go a bit larger but for my commuter/grocery getter I like the downgrade.
05-11-18, 12:22 PM
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Fixed bike is stock 48/18 for now...
SS MTB 29er is 32/19, very hilly so spin out quick when it gets flat
SS MTB 29er is 32/19, very hilly so spin out quick when it gets flat
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05-14-18, 08:52 AM
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50 x 16 on 700c tires. I live in NYC so its pretty flat. Also the setup is single speed, not fixed.
Last edited by instrumentality; 05-14-18 at 09:13 AM. Reason: Elaborating
05-15-18, 12:44 PM
#20
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Riding by myself 70gi. Rolling hills and grades only 26-32 feet per mile of elevation unless I want to ride real hills and I would ride a geared bike for that. With a group I ride 75 gi and draft a lot. A really fast group on flats I've used 80 gi. But I like 70gi for general riding around. Problem here is wind not hills.
05-15-18, 02:41 PM
#21
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I have 3 chainrings (44,45,46) and three cogs (16,17,18) which gives me ~65-75 GI with 1-2 inch steps. I start with 44/18 in the spring and work my way up as my fitness improves throughout the season.
Last edited by kingston; 05-16-18 at 02:08 PM.
05-16-18, 10:27 AM
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05-16-18, 01:19 PM
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Ben