Advice for track ratio
03-14-22, 10:07 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2021
Posts: 18
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Advice for track ratio
I'm currently running a flip flop hub with a 16t freewheel on one side and wanted to get some advice about what fixed cog i should run on the other.
Basically i just want something to use at the velodrome so just flip it over to the fixed side once i get there and use something a bit harder for the track.
I am running a 44T on the front currently and i find the 44/16 perfect for street and commuting but just am not sure about how low i should go for the track, would 15 be fine or should I look at going down to 14 maybe? Or even lower?
Sorry if its and stupid question and i know its subjective but just wanted to get some advice as i haven't ever changed ratios before so am a bit in the dark on this
Cheers
Basically i just want something to use at the velodrome so just flip it over to the fixed side once i get there and use something a bit harder for the track.
I am running a 44T on the front currently and i find the 44/16 perfect for street and commuting but just am not sure about how low i should go for the track, would 15 be fine or should I look at going down to 14 maybe? Or even lower?
Sorry if its and stupid question and i know its subjective but just wanted to get some advice as i haven't ever changed ratios before so am a bit in the dark on this
Cheers
03-15-22, 10:36 AM
#2
Veteran Racer
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Posts: 11,760
Bikes: 32 frames + 80 wheels
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1337 Post(s)
Liked 765 Times
in
432 Posts
Well, first off, you mean "higher" not "lower." As to gearing for the track, do you mean for just riding or for competition ? If you're just riding, then a 44 x 15 should give you a decent workout, but for racing you'll need at least a 44 x14, and when I was racing it was more like a 47 x 14.
03-15-22, 11:16 AM
#3
Newbie racer
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 3,406
Bikes: Propel, red is faster
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1575 Post(s)
Liked 1,569 Times
in
974 Posts
Here:
https://www.bikecalc.com/speed_at_cadence
Use that and try out a few different cogs for your ring or some rings even. I can't offer anything track wise, but I use that sheet a lot for time trial gearing stuff.
https://www.bikecalc.com/speed_at_cadence
Use that and try out a few different cogs for your ring or some rings even. I can't offer anything track wise, but I use that sheet a lot for time trial gearing stuff.
03-16-22, 02:20 AM
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2021
Posts: 18
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Well, first off, you mean "higher" not "lower." As to gearing for the track, do you mean for just riding or for competition ? If you're just riding, then a 44 x 15 should give you a decent workout, but for racing you'll need at least a 44 x14, and when I was racing it was more like a 47 x 14.
cheers
03-16-22, 08:02 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: PHL
Posts: 9,948
Bikes: Litespeed Catalyst, IRO Rob Roy, All City Big Block
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1332 Post(s)
Liked 398 Times
in
194 Posts
44x15 is going to be a very small gear for track purposes, so get ready to spin like a MF. I'd say get yourself a 48t ring as well for a good starting gear.
03-20-22, 04:00 AM
#6
Newbie
I'd recommend getting a range of track cogs from 13-15 if you're going to maintain the chainring at 44t. Make sure you have a long chain whip/lockring tool, as well. Shimano makes an excellent one but if you're in a tighter budget Lifeline also has one that's very reliable
