Viewing 19 posts - 1 through 19 (of 19 total)
  • Gear inches/Singlespeed
  • MountainMutant
    Free Member

    I am running a 44/16 set up on my singlespeed commuter which I find is pretty good but a bit spinny in places (10 mile each way London commute).

    I put a 14t cog on the back today and although good fast fun in places my knees are going to burst if I keep it on and God forbid a windy day!

    The jump is too big. Will a 15t be a good compromise or is that still a bit of a big gear to push? Wiggle say they are all discontinued (£3) and On One sell them for £16 so a bit of a pricey mistake if it is!

    Any links to a cheaper 15t cog?

    ta

    MM

    BoardinBob
    Full Member

    44/16 was a bit spinny? 😯 Is your commute totally flat?

    44/16 was killing my knees so I converted to 32/16 at the weekend.

    MountainMutant
    Free Member

    it is reasonably flat but quite a few draggy inclines. I have legs of steel ;)….not 44/14 steel though!

    Commuter is on 700/23 wheel and tyre combo if that makes any difference.

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    thomthumb
    Free Member

    gear choice is quite a personal thing, and will always be a compromise.

    15T 10.99 http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=17775

    probably cheaper version on ebay too.

    amedias
    Free Member

    why not try 46/16 or 42/14, both will give you an ‘inbetweeny’ gear like you seem to be after.

    or is it a case of rear cogs cheaper than chainrings?

    amedias
    Free Member

    FWIW I’m running 48:16 and it’s perfect for my commute, but it totally depends on your legs, your commute, your pedalling style etc.

    fu_manchu
    Free Member

    Assuming a 26″ wheel, the following table will let you play around with gear inches, you are adding 14% by going from a 16 to a 14 so its quite a jump.

    Gear Table

    So as recommended, looking at changing the chainring will give you a closer step increase.

    john_l
    Free Member

    just spin faster?

    wellhung
    Free Member

    i run 48/17 on my singlespeed roadie bike although i do find it difficult when it gets lumpy

    crazy-legs
    Full Member

    just spin faster?

    If he’s having trouble even turning that gear, how is he going to be able to spin it?!

    I’d change the chainring TBH, go for a 46/16.
    My Langster (again 700c wheel) came with a 48/16 set up and that was pretty much spot on but I eventually changed to a 17T freewheel as it gives me just that fraction more leeway on hills/headwinds now.

    In calculating ratios by the way, one tooth on a freewheel is roughly equivalent to 2.3T on a chainring.

    igm
    Full Member

    Assuming DX will fit just spend the £2.70 and try it – JFDI

    MountainMutant
    Free Member

    Thanks for the replies and links.

    I have ordered a 15t onza ring with bling spacers from Wooley hat shop so hopefully that will be a good compromise.

    The Shimano DX sprocket has a £3.99 delivery charge for a £2.70 item!

    I don’t want to change the front chainring as they cost a bomb on an XTR crank.

    Thanks

    MM

    igm
    Full Member

    Ahh… didn’t check that

    samuri
    Free Member

    44/16 was a bit spinny? [8O] Is your commute totally flat?

    It’s a London commute. 😉

    44/16 is certainly a bit spinny as far as I’m concerned on a mountain bike. It’d be just about right on a 700c wheeled bike, maybe a little bit quick if it’s flat.

    orange
    Free Member
    chunkypaul
    Free Member

    44/16 = 72 gear inches

    44/14 = 82 gear inches

    44/15 = 77 gear inches

    46/16 = 75 gear inches

    MountainMutant
    Free Member

    Samuri, it is a 700cc wheeled bike (Roadrat).

    Thanks Chunky Paul. Not that that means much to me in way of pedalling feel but I can see it should be a good middle ground.

    MM

    john_l
    Free Member

    If he’s having trouble even turning that gear, how is he going to be able to spin it?!

    he said he’s finding it a bit spinny in places?

    I am running a 44/16 set up on my singlespeed commuter which I find is pretty good but a bit spinny in places

Viewing 19 posts - 1 through 19 (of 19 total)

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