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I left my bike (MTB) with my LBS with the instruction to convert it to single speed with a 42:20 set up.
He phoned me earlier and said he'd struggled to find parts and would 44:28 be okay.
Now I can calculate that my request would have given me: 2.1:1 and his suggestion 1.76:1 but what does this mean in real terms?
I am not a fettler and have no experience of single speed.
Thanks
why did you choose 42:20 - because you had the rings already?
If you're going to have to buy new bits I'd just pick 32:16 which is pretty close? Easier to get a 17 or 18 if it feels a bit much once you start than be hunting for 29 or 27 non-geared sprockets too.
Do you plan to use it on or off road? If off, your ratio was a bit steep, his is better (a tad low, but not too much).
If on, his would be too low.
Why 42:20 anyway? That's pretty specific and unusual. 32:16 is the norm
my SS is something like 32:17 which is about 1.8:1 if I understand this correctly, why such large gears? This is the first SS I have had and not tried different ratios, but most of the SS I've seen are a similar middle ring 32-34 with 16-18 tooth rear.
How's he managing to rig up 28 at the back?!
42:20 was recommended to me by a seasoned singlespeeder.
I will be riding on road with the bike.
vdubber - i have no idea.
I'm going to see my LBS tomorrow so will bear your comments in mind.
Ta.
26" or 29" wheels? 42:20 is quite low for road use, 44:28 even lower and likely to be very spinny. I'd go the other way, perhaps 44 (if that's what he's got):18.
(Depending on wheel size...)
28 is weird on the back!
Are you sure your lbs isn`t confused and is trying to put a 44 and 28 on the crank arms for you as a double set up?
Are you sure your lbs isn`t confused and is trying to put a 44 and 28 on the crank arms for you as a double set up?
Oo, that's a good shout, seems likely!
[url= http://sheldonbrown.com/gears/ ]play with different ratios until the cows come home[/url]
Confused: 42:20 seems much too low for riding on road, either 26" or 29". 44:28 is just odd, assuming that is a 28 on the back, and not just referring to a double set-up for the front, as others have suggested.
Edit: psling's suggestion of 44:18 for the road is a pretty good one.
Both your friendly adviser and your local bike shop share a crack dealer, is what we're trying to say here. HTH.
Never heard of 42:20 being recommended for road use,think mine is set up with 46:17 or 48:18(cannot be sure without going to have a look)for road.
Seems a unusual recommendation either way.