I want to get a s/s for commuting, much less hassle than a geared bike.
What kind of ratios/inches should I look for? I live at the bottom of the hill which goes up to Crystal Palace (15%?) so have to climb that first thing out of the house, then the rest of the ride is almost entirely flat...
Trying to avoid getting a gear which is low enough to get up the hill but will mean I spin out for the rest of the ride. But also want something that means the hill isn't a sufferfest
70" ish.
Fixed.
42:18 on 700c.
Ooof Anerley Hill?
How long is the hill?
If it's long enough to warrant its own gearing perhaps a dinglespeed would be better.
If it's the steep one at Anerely Hill then I reckon it's about half a mile. If it’s Crystal Palace Park Road on the other side of the park then it's more like a mile, but not as steep
A ratio that will allow you to spin along at a decent clip on the flat will be low enough to grind up a short hill.
It's the hill from Sydenham - on the eastern side of the park, luckily.
About a mile I'm guessing.
But still - not fun straight out of the house!
/pedantic mode
15 degrees isn't 15%
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15% is more like 8 degrees
32:16 would be my prefered ratio having done that hill on that ratio and 32:18
According to strava (keeper of the knowledge) the hills to the east of Crystal Palace average around 4-4.5% and top out at 12%.
On a fixed/SS road bike that should be doable comfortably and quickly with only a little bit of grunting on 70GI +. Something around 49-18 would be fine.
*caveat, I’ve only ever driven up those hills and have not actually cycled up them*
42:16 fixed. It's a mile not an alp 😉 . 48:18 is the same gear.
I'd go slightly lower for a starter commuter 66" so 43x17 so as not to risk knee damage til you're used to it then maybe up to 70ish