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Prompted by the thread from @timbur I'm seriously looking at putting my Arkose back to its original singlespeed configuration. Only difference would be keeping the Apex 1x 40t chainset, and using a Wolftooth or Absolute Black rear cog. Trouble is I don't know what tooth sprocket to go for?
Think bike came 38t x 17t and i may have changed to 37t x 18t/19t, before converting to geared (but memory is vague as a few years ago). In Wilts there's some short, sharp climbs but otherwise fairly rolling terrain. Fitness is lacking a bit just now too...
What do you run?
I run 39-18 singlespeed and 39-16 fixed.
Although the fixed is used mostly only used in commuter mode with a slightly smaller slick rather than a 40c gravel tyre.
This is in the Thames valley and generally avoiding anything too long or steep.
I've got 42:18 on mine but off road it's pretty much flat everywhere I ride it, so it's a compromise because the bike is used >50% on tarmac. Have also tried 40:18 and I would struggle with anything but the gentlest off road climb on that too IIRC. If you're on a 40t chainset I'd start a little bigger than 18 on the back.
I just checked the parts bin in the garage, and looks as though I went 39t (not 37t) chainring and had a couple of spare Andel rear sprockets in 18 and 19t, as Evans/PX were selling them cheap at the time.
Maybe I just need to throw the old chainset back on, and see how I go with the various cogs. As long as I can find the old Shimano BB...
Really depends on where you are/ how strong you are - if I turn left or right from my door I’m still confronted by 5km of climbing and 34x17 is pretty hard going. I did the SDW a few years back on 36x19 and that was a hard day - didn’t dab once and even made it up the ‘marbles’ at Amberley.
I'm on 40x22 and it suits me pretty well. I can cope with most of the undulating terrain round here, although top out on roads pretty easily.