Big ring singlespeeding - opinions sought...

[orange71]

Call it selective perception, but have started to notice the odd bike turning up here with what I would describe as big ring singlespeed set ups. I.e. ring at front likely to be 44 or 46, sprocket at back 22 or 23 instead of the more traditional 32:16 and suchlike.

I have converted one of my bikes to this set up and I actually think it looks quite good - on some bikes (possibly not all) I feel it might give it a better sense of proportion than running a 32/34 at the front. I haven't ridden it yet to see if there is any difference there, though theoretically there shouldn't be.

While you might not have the extra underside clearance a smaller ring offers and it will weigh a tad more, I understand you'll get more life out the rings (as there are more teeth).

Just wondered if any of you had any strong feelings one way or the other.

 

[Pickle]

SS isn't my 'ting, but from a 'looks' POV, a larger front ring is nicer.

A middle ring SS (and even a 7/8 speeder as per Ed @ the Wobble) just looks wrong IMO.

 

[kaiser]

Big rings look proper nails :twisted: My fixed runs 42/17 and when I see the small S/S set ups it looks like somethings missing.

 

[one-eyed_jim]

I run a 42 up front. I do prefer the look slightly - though a smaller ring does announce "singlespeed".

From a practical point of view the drivetrain is a little bit more efficient and wears longer. You can fine-tune the gear in smaller steps. You can get decent road gears without using tiny sprockets (42/15 = 32/11).

Drawbacks - Bigger singlespeed sprockets are harder to find - I use old Uniglides. Less ground clearance, but no less than most geared bikes. If you want to swap singlespeed to 1x9 on the same bike, a 32 makes more sense. You can sometimes get away with a shorter bottom bracket if you use a smaller ring.

 

[stevet1]

Go on a BMX forum and ask this
crazy fools are using 22T front rings with 8T drivers at the rear because its 'cool'.

 

[cchris2lou]

I ride 46 at the front and 14 at the back , it is for road use only .

 

[kaiser]

I ride 46 at the front and 14 at the back , it is for road use only .

Whoah thats a big gear

 

[shovelon]

I ride 46 at the front and 14 at the back , it is for road use only .

Whoah thats a big gear

Ed, as long as your at it, ditch the saddle and post. You will be mashing the whole time anyway.

Terry

 

[icantthinkofausername]

Got a 38:16 on my ss. I found a 34 too small and didn't have a 36 But yes a bigger front ring does look better IMO.

 

[cchris2lou]

I ride 46 at the front and 14 at the back , it is for road use only .

Whoah thats a big gear

it is ok on the road for commuting and 1 hour ride after work . nothing too hilly though .