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I'm building a singlespeed mtb and I'm wondering what ratio to go for. I'm not planning any steep hill climbs in the near future but It's certainly something I want to move towards. To start with I'll use the bike for more xc orientated local rides lasting about 3 hours as well as visiting the odd trail centre. I will also be using it daily for commuting on the road but it's only a mile to work so a road ratio isn't really a big consideration. A friend of mine said I should go for something a bit easier than a 2:1 ratio, what do you guys think?
Also if you could recommend me somewhere I can get some good chain rings/cogs that would be great too. I'll be using a slot drop out frame, so a tensioner will not be necessary.
Cheers.
charlie the bike monger or on one
32:16 was fine for me
job done
32:16 is what peeps will tell you but anything 2:1 is a good start. Mine is 36:18 which is still 2:1
I'm going to a smaller chainring up front though as I'm really spinning out on the flat
Kato you might want a larger chainring!
34-16 here seems about right for my commute.
Umm Kato if you're spinning out on 36:18 you need a bigger chainring up front not smaller. 😀
yeah that's what I meant 😳
As above, 2:1 is usually a good start. I would recommend going 34:17 though which will give you more options if you want to make it harder.
Which you will because singlespeeding makes you mucho man.
OK thanks. What about crank length? Is it the same rule as for geared bikes?
My bike came with 34:18 (ratio 1.9:1-ish), which was fine except in winter. I dropped to 34:20 (ratio 1.7:1) and I'm much happier.
I'm not a radcore STW biker so I'm happy to admit that 2:1 ratio is probably too much for me.
I have a 10 mile commute and found a 36/14 setup gave me the best all round ratio.
I did'nt completely spin out all the time, and, had enough oomph when accelerating away from a standstill.
Depends if you wanting to climb much and your strength. I couldn't off-road climb much of my usual trails with 32:16, 32:18 was unpleasant and 32:20 OK. Except being too spinny on flat, smooth bits, but there's not too much of that.
I'm fairly fit at the moment but I think I'll go for 32:18 to start with and see how I get on riding my local trails.