Well it seems that Mavic won't deliver my rim in time for my LBS to build up my Alfine hub so it looks like I'm doing the SDW Singlespeed this weekend.
I know it depends on personal fitness etc. but what ratio would people suggest?
Is 32:18 on a 29er OK or should I consider something else?
Oof... are you planning to walk up most of the hills (I did, and that was with a gears and a granny option!). Can't imagine riding the whole thing SS without pushing a fair bit tbh, but you may be superhuman, I don't know! 😯
A friend of mine was buried on the SD very close to the trail last week. It was the first time I'd ever seen the area (very close to Butser Hill) and I realised that when I finally get round to riding it, I won't be singlespeeding! If I was tempted, on a SS 29er I would be looking at 32:20. I'm certainly of Clydesdale physique so need the help on the hills though I am pretty good at endurance and can get up most hills on 34:17 on a 26er. My problem on SS is not so much climbing steep/long hills it's when I get repeating hills that I struggle.
Have fun.
i've ridden it SS. I geared down to 32:20 (29er) this was perfect. my two associates didn't gear down, they were fine.
I have ridden long sections 32:18 and wished for a tooth or two more. rode most of it but did feel that if i had had a 19/20T i would have pushed less later in the day.
Do you gear down on other things?
Neil Newell has Single Speeded the SDW Double so knows what he is talking about. 8)
Last time I corresponded with him he was h2 at hazeii.net. V helpful and all round nice guy.
http://www.southdownsdouble.net/index.html
I would have thought 32:19 on a 29er would be ok for the majority of the SDW
THanks all I'll see how it goes!
