Getting cheesed off with SS...

[velomaniac]

Been SS for 10 years at least and still haven't got the hang of 2:1 ratio despite the claims its the best all round. I'm happiest on 1.75:1 or 28/16 which means i'll spin out faster but I'll get up more hills. Bigger rings though give more tooth to chain wrap which is good when you fit types are laying down the power

 

[Andy R]

Been SS for 10 years at least and still haven't got the hang of 2:1 ratio despite the claims its the best all round. I'm happiest on 1.75:1 or 28/16 which means i'll spin out faster but I'll get up more hills. Bigger rings though give more tooth to chain wrap which is good when you fit types are laying down the power

I reckon that the people who advocate the 2:1 ratio are either a) insanely strong or b) don't ride anywhere with any real hills or tight, technical terrain.

I've found that 32:20 works best for me, although 32:18 is ok too.
I wouldn't like to gear any higher than that though.....

 

[hamster]

Go with whatever ratio suits you. I think the advice on 2:1 is that it is a good starting point, but that is all.

I get round everything here in 2:1, but the New Forest is fairly flat and very well-drained, so we don't get mud. It's also about as technical as Tesco's car park.

 

[pigman]

depends what you use it for. I wouldnt use a SS for some of the peak district rides, which are fairly extreme. Would maybe consider one for the "farm track" trails to the east of sheffield (flattish), but I dont ride there. My SSer is for winter road training only and uses 42x17

 

[MikeD]

2:1's just a starting point, but it's a good ratio for woodsy singletrack. I'm a whisker lower. I think 32/20 would be a step too far for me - it'd be epically tedious anywhere except the climbs. But if your riding is up/down without much along then it makes sense. Horses for courses, innit?

 

[fagin]

Errrr maybe that's why gears were invented. Hills, flat, mud, take them all.

 

[Pickle]

32 x 18 for me, normal chain and a tensioner.

Whacked it all together on Saturday PM and rode it without a single problem on Sunday for 2 1/2 hours.

Simple.

 

[al]

32 x 18 for me, normal chain and a tensioner.

Whacked it all together on Saturday PM and rode it without a single problem on Sunday for 2 1/2 hours.

Simple.

32x18! :shock:

I've run 34x16 on my singles for over ten years. Maybe this is why I have a bad back.

 

[Pickle]

32 x 18 for me, normal chain and a tensioner.

Whacked it all together on Saturday PM and rode it without a single problem on Sunday for 2 1/2 hours.

Simple.

32x18! :shock:

I've run 34x16 on my singles for over ten years. Maybe this is why I have a bad back.

I prefer to spin the gear rather than push it. Saves my knees.

 

[al]

32 x 18 for me, normal chain and a tensioner.

Whacked it all together on Saturday PM and rode it without a single problem on Sunday for 2 1/2 hours.

Simple.

32x18! :shock:

I've run 34x16 on my singles for over ten years. Maybe this is why I have a bad back.

I prefer to spin the gear rather than push it. Saves my knees.

I like to keep up with the 'geared girls' on the flats!!

Drives em nuts.

Should I say (I did)

Did I tell you about my back?