Single Speed Gear Ratios

[TomT]

i remember seeing a program that would calculate the prefect gear ratio for SS riders. after doing a quick nsmb search i couldn't find it. wondering if anyone out there knows what i'm talking about and has a copy of it they could send me. thanks

[zahgurim]

There's one on www.danscomp.com but it is only good for 20" and 24" wheelsize.

[TomT]

cool. i'll be sure to book mark that one. but i need one for 26" wheels

[onelineatatime]

Don't know about a "calculator" or anything, but chainring/cog should be in the neighborhood of 2 for a mountain or street rig, higher for a road rig. I run 36/18, so 2 works for me on my street bike.

[kthomas]

2:1 is the most common ratio, start from there

[Slamigo]

It also depends on bike weight and where you will be riding. I ride mine on trails, but it's a 38 lb 243 built for abuse with bmx cranks and heavy duty everything. I run a 32/20 setup and it's perfect for that. But if the bike was a XC single speed that only weighed 25-28 lbs, then 32/20 would suck because it's too easy for that configuration. I'd say that 2:1 is the starting point, but you have to take into consideration all the variables and just use trial and error.
I also recommend using bmx rear sprockets and chain. They are much stronger and deeper than mtb ones.

[Chunk]

yea man, back when i rode SS, i started out at a 2:1 ratio. But as i learned how to carry momentum, and i got a bit stronger, i geared it up. 2:1 is a good ratio to startout with.