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[Closed] Gear inches/Singlespeed

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[#471514]

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


 
Posted : 14/04/2009 6:43 pm
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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.


 
Posted : 14/04/2009 6:50 pm
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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.


 
Posted : 14/04/2009 7:02 pm
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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.


 
Posted : 14/04/2009 7:36 pm
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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?


 
Posted : 14/04/2009 7:36 pm
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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.


 
Posted : 14/04/2009 7:37 pm
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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.

[url= http://www.machinehead-software.co.uk/gear_inch_ratio_table26.html ]Gear Table[/url]

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


 
Posted : 14/04/2009 7:52 pm
 igm
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[url= http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/104430.html ]All terrain have Shimano DX SS sprockets at £3.99[/url] - sorry £2.70
.
[url= http://www.woollyhatshop.com/category.php?id=143 ]Wooly hat shop - for conversion kist including 15t[/url]


 
Posted : 14/04/2009 7:59 pm
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just spin faster?


 
Posted : 14/04/2009 8:03 pm
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i run 48/17 on my singlespeed roadie bike although i do find it difficult when it gets lumpy


 
Posted : 14/04/2009 8:15 pm
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[i]just spin faster? [/i]

If he's having trouble even [b]turning[/b] 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.


 
Posted : 14/04/2009 8:17 pm
 igm
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Assuming DX will fit just spend the £2.70 and try it - JFDI


 
Posted : 14/04/2009 8:23 pm
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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


 
Posted : 14/04/2009 10:08 pm
 igm
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Ahh... didn't check that


 
Posted : 14/04/2009 10:13 pm
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[i]44/16 was a bit spinny? [8O] Is your commute totally flat?[/i]

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.


 
Posted : 14/04/2009 11:30 pm
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http://sheldonbrown.com/gears/


 
Posted : 15/04/2009 7:21 am
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44/16 = 72 gear inches

44/14 = 82 gear inches

44/15 = 77 gear inches

46/16 = 75 gear inches


 
Posted : 15/04/2009 7:28 am
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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


 
Posted : 15/04/2009 7:42 am
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[i]If he's having trouble even turning that gear, how is he going to be able to spin it?!

[/i]

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

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


 
Posted : 15/04/2009 2:53 pm