Single Speed ratio for Dublin?

RichyX · 30-12-2009 03:19PM #1

Planning to change my cyclocross bike into a city commuter soon.

Does anyone know a good ratio for Dublin city?
I have a 42t chainring and a 16t cog hanging around so was thinking of trying them for a start.

My SS mountain bike has 32:14, which seems to be good for getting away from the lights but I end up spinning very quickly.

blorg · 30-12-2009 03:33PM

Depends on your fitness, the weight of the bike, whether you are going to be going up any hills, etc. Bear in mind that most of Dublin city is very very flat.

I have 42-15 on my commuter with racks, mudguards, trailer, etc. I think this is about right, any lower and it would be very spinny. It is a little draggy uphill with the trailer or into a heavy wind. 42-16 would be close but I think I would find it a bit spinny going downhills- same bike as yours by any chance?

46-14 on my racier fixie. Change that to 46-17 for the Wicklow mountains.

blorg · 30-12-2009 03:44PM

Actually thinking about it, if it is SS rather than fixed 42-16 could work quite well, you wouldn't have the overspinning problem going downhill. I have a 16T freewheel I'd be willing to part with if you are interested, next to no use, I had it off the bike ASAP

3/32 but will work with a 1/8 chain either.

biker_joe · 30-12-2009 03:47PM

44 x 16 Bmx style will do ya !!:D

Biker Joe

biker_joe · 30-12-2009 03:49PM

Hey Blorg
What the hell is that trailer for ? ur paper round ?

You is a crazy Kid !!

Biker Joe

Swaine55 · 30-12-2009 04:17PM

i use 44/16 on my fixie, tiz perfect

RichyX · 30-12-2009 04:28PM

Thanks for the replies.

Nice bike blorg, riding a Kona myself.

My fitness is reasonable, although the vast majority of my cycling is the commute to college. Luckily the bike is fairly light.

I'm over in Dublin 8, which is slightly hillier than a lot of Dublin city.
Just remembered there's a 12t here somewhere so if the 16t is way off I can try that.

Single Speed ratio for Dublin?

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