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In light of comments on [url= http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/i-just-activated-the-n1-formula-and-got-the-green-light ]this thread[/url] about ratios and wheel size, I can't help but wonder who it is that has had the time and money to experiment with different combinations to such an extent that they can pronounce one ratio as being good for one wheel size but bad for another.
I mean, it seems to me that in order to determine such things for oneself, as opposed to just reading about it in a magazine, is to have (at the very least): a) mechanical ability, b) an infinite number of spare parts around the workshop, c) enough money to buy what one doesn't already own, d) enough time to actually undertake the changes and tweaks necessary and then to actually ride enough with them to determine the difference.
So own up...
Who on here actually plays around with bikes enough to talk authoritatively about such technical aspects of their set-up, and who actually just uses an off-the-peg model, and goes by what the magazines say?
I'll start by saying that I wouldn't have a clue, and that I just like riding and pretty much trust what comes on my bikes when I buy them.*
*With the exception of tyres.
I can't help but wonder who it is that has had the time and money to experiment with different combinations to such an extent that they can pronounce one ratio as being good for one wheel size but bad for another.
People are telling you what works for them, they extrapolate themselves to other people.
It's a personal thing
SaxonRider - Member
In light of comments on this thread about ratios and wheel size, I can't help but wonder who it is that has had the time and money to experiment with different combinations to such an extent that they can pronounce one ratio as being good for one wheel size but bad for another.
That thread is about singlespeed ratios. Changing a cog isn't a particularly expensive or difficult fix, and you know pretty quickly whether you can get up the hills or not.
Well, I've tried a few different ratios on 26" and 700c with a variety of tyres and for commuting, road riding, off-road riding and mixed off/on-road. Hardly an exhaustive range, but enough for me to know what works where and what would be too high and too low for my preferences. Sprockets and chainrings and chain links are cheap, and easy to change. So I guess I fit your criteria.
Just re-read what I wrote, and I come across like a c#ck. I still want to ask the question, but without seeming like I'm criticising people who [i]can[/i] actually do this.
So own up...Who on here actually plays around with bikes enough to talk authoritatively about such technical aspects of their set-up
er that would be me, althgouh I'd question the 'authoritatively' bit as my experiments are only applicable to [b]me [/b]and [b]my riding[/b], and not necessarily to others.
Obviously some of what we find may be helpful to others and might hold true across many situations, like a particualr part or setup or combination or parts being totally inappropiate or simply not working together, others will be just preferences.
A lot of stuff I experimented and fiddled with 10-20 years ago and will still hold true, where as other things need to be constantly re-evaluated as new technology and ideas crop up.
a) mechanical ability, b) an infinite number of spare parts around the workshop, c) enough money to buy what one doesn't already own, d) enough time to actually undertake the changes and tweaks necessary and then to actually ride enough with them to determine the difference
a> yes thanks I have that
b> not infinite, but lots accumulated over years, jumbles and the charity workshops also help for small parts and experiments
c> not really, unless you're playing around with a new Fox fork each week...
d> less than I uses to, but still enough to play around. I normally manage > 300 bays on a bike each year and a good mix of disciplines.
*EDIT - I'm talking about more than just SS gear ratios by the way, although I have done a heck of a lot of that, and across a number of disciplines (Trials, XC, Road, 'Trail') so I know what works [b]for me[/b] there, and can say with some degree of certainty what [i]range [/i]of SS ratios are applicable in most circumstances.
With ratios it's all about discovering what works for you on your commute/trails, then telling everyone else they should use the same despite having no clue where they ride or how fit they are.
But experimenting for yourself isn't really hard. If nothing else, it's easily done with a geared bike.
I have been riding solely single speed for 10+ years and yes I have experimented with ratios over that time to the point where I know exactly what works for me on what sort of bike in what sort of conditions.
It isn't expensive as long as you don't need to fine tune too much with chain rings. I have a set of 13t - 16t cogs but in reality I just switch between 14t and 15t.
I mean, it seems to me that in order to determine such things for oneself, as opposed to just reading about it in a magazine, is to [s]have (at the very least): a) mechanical ability, b) an infinite number of spare parts around the workshop, c) enough money to buy what one doesn't already own, d) enough time to actually undertake the changes and tweaks necessary and then to[/s] [b]actually ride enough[/b] with them to determine the difference.
Also, it's worth noting that a lot of people who have worked in the industry or spend a lot of time with other riders can get proxy experience, no use for things that are personal preference obviously but if there's a common setup issue or component prone to failure or causing issues, or a maintenance thing you'll become aware of it pretty quickly via a workshop.
Half the fun of experimenting too is deliberately trying 'bad' things so you can see a) how bad it is, and b) actually articulate the issue when people ask about it.
You see this a lot with things like stem length, bars, suspension settings etc. there's a lot of 'X will ride poo' comments thrown around and a lot of it is just regurgitated from the internet and magazines with very few actually having tried X to see how poo it is or understand how and why it feels poo.