Front ring size for downhill racing??

[A.C.]

I'm looking to do some races this season and I'm wondering what people would recommend for front chainring size. I'll be on my Bighit (so 24" rear tire) and my rear cassette is a 11-34t. Thanks for any suggestions.

[Incorrigible]

The silly question is: what type of terrain are your races on? If you pedal like a madman down Whistler, you may want something like a 40 or 42. I myself like a 38 and a small road cog on the back. This works for me here in Quebec, and has worked fine at Whistler and Washington too, BTW. Although I wasn't racing at Whistler, I probably wouldn't pedal that much there either.

It is personal preference, but I wouldn't go bigger than 40. You still have to pedal through things (almost everywhere you will end up racing) and it's nice to have a smaller ring to do this easily.

[anaologfred]

i always had good luck with 38-40t and a 11-34 rear cassette. crank arm lenth makes a diiference. if you run 170mm don't go bigger than a 40t, if you run 175mm u can get away with 42t. but u say u r ridin a bighit with a 24" rear tire, u might consider running 165mm for clearance issues.

[Jeff M]

Last year I ran a 38t at whistler and it was good though I could stand to gear up a bit (I was usually in gears 7-9). I think I'll try a 40 or a 42 this year.

This was with 26" wheels. The rollout of a 24" wheel is about 15% less than a 26" so you'll add 15% to that ratio.

ie, a 38t with 26s would be equivalent to about a 44t with 24s.

[Madman]

I definetly need a bigger front ring, I think im only running a 36 up front and a 24" rear its great for like shore and skinnys but when im riding dh and singletrack its like super fast pedaling, Hard to get decent runs at gaps etc.. Im gonna move up to a 40, Might as well replace the whole drivetrain before summer, new bb, new front ring, new chain, new derailleur, new cassete new rear hub + adding on a chainguide. My bike shall be semi rideable after that.

[SysCo.]

I'm looking to do some races this season and I'm wondering what people would recommend for front chainring size. I'll be on my Bighit (so 24" rear tire) and my rear cassette is a 11-34t. Thanks for any suggestions.

24" wheels gonna hold you back majorly for racing, it accelerates faster, but slows down quicker, and doesnt roll over bumps as quickly, if you really want to get seriously into get a bike with the 26" wheel.
As for ring size I run 40 tooth race face ring. its awesome.

[A.C.]

Thanks for the info. I realize that my ride isn't ideal for racing, but I thought I'd give it a shot and then if it's something I'm into I"ll get a bike more suited for racing. Given what has been said, I'm thinking 40t should work.

[Wayne P]

Just remember that races are won or lost in the tight twisty techy sections, not nessicarily in the wide open fast sections, where everyone is fast. Being able to stay off the brakes and let 'er run is far more beneficial to your racing.

That said, you don't want to spin out easily, so generally ~40t is fine for most courses.

[corey@nsmb.com]

Just remember that races are won or lost in the tight twisty techy sections, not nessicarily in the wide open fast sections, where everyone is fast. Being able to stay off the brakes and let 'er run is far more beneficial to your racing.

That said, you don't want to spin out easily, so generally ~40t is fine for most courses.


I could nuke my account, and rest peacefully knowing that you post what I would have posted.

[atb]

i ride a 24" rear and never have problems keeping up, or staying a head. i'm using a 38T ring.

[SysCo.]

well atb your just a god.

[atb]

well atb your just a god.

well yeah, that is true.

[Wayne P]

i ride a 24" rear and never have problems keeping up, or staying a head. i'm using a 38T ring.

Keeping up or staying ahead ain't racing against the clock now is it?


Corey, feel free to let me speak for you from now on. "I think I'll give my fancy new car to Wayne" - Corey Anderson.