Magic Ratio for Single Speed. Any Experiences?

[Thame Game]

Oh and don't bother with half links.

That's absolutely brilliant drystonepaul!
My first MTB was the DB Ascent EX you have there. The Holdsworth too, with the 42:16 is very encouraging, because I'm using a 43:17 set up.
I've kept the moving parts to 1/8 specific with an Izumi track chain, Halo Fat Foot and Velo Solo front ring.
I will definitely go with the Magic Ratio as my first port of call. I've ordered a ZTTO tensioner as a backup.
The build is heavy on the aesthetics and I will post pictures soon of the build. Its Campag heavy outside of the above mentioned parts.
Everyone's advice here is proving invaluable.

 

[drystonepaul]

That's absolutely brilliant drystonepaul!
My first MTB was the DB Ascent EX you have there. The Holdsworth too, with the 42:16 is very encouraging, because I'm using a 43:17 set up.
I've kept the moving parts to 1/8 specific with an Izumi track chain, Halo Fat Foot and Velo Solo front ring.
I will definitely go with the Magic Ratio as my first port of call. I've ordered a ZTTO tensioner as a backup.
The build is heavy on the aesthetics and I will post pictures soon of the build. Its Campag heavy outside of the above mentioned parts.
Everyone's advice here is proving invaluable.

If you are familiar with measuring ratios in gear inches, then somewhere around 70 gear inches is just about perfect for road use as long as gradients aren't particularly steep.
42:16 gives you just under 70 inches with 700c wheels and 43:17 should put you around 68 inches.
My main singlespeed normally runs a 42:17 setup giving about 67 inches.
I've use that for rides up to 200km as the slightly lower gearing is useful and preferable on longer rides.

For off road it's better to have lower gearing.
On 26 inch wheels a 2:1 ratio or lower tends to work well. So 36:18, 34:17 or 32:16 all give the same 52 gear inches or thereabouts.
Tyre size makes a difference. Bigger tyres increase the wheel diameter and hence give a slightly higher gear.
650B and 29ers give higher gearing so require different combinations for the same given 'gear'.

Once you get bitten by the bug of single speeding, having a 16,17 and 18 tooth sprocket will allow for a bit of experimentation.
Using a tensioner will give you versatility on any frame with vertical dropouts.

Geography and terrain are also a factor. I live on the edge of the Peak District to the east with the Cheshire Plain to the west.
One gear wandering is great on the flat lands, but can be a real challenge once you start hitting the hills.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Once you get bitten by the bug of single speeding,

That is what it comes down to, isn't it? Once you've felt the simplicity, there is an illness that sets in. You are deliberately choosing a less productive tool, and relishing the difficulty

 

[novocaine]

That is what it comes down to, isn't it? Once you've felt the simplicity, there is an illness that sets in. You are deliberately choosing a less productive tool, and relishing the difficulty

rude.

true, but rude.

obviously you couldn't possible be talking about me.

 

[drystonepaul]

That is what it comes down to, isn't it? Once you've felt the simplicity, there is an illness that sets in. You are deliberately choosing a less productive tool, and relishing the difficulty

Absolutely.
The mental and physical challenge is what sets it apart.
Plus I really enjoy the silence and mechanical efficiency of a singlespeed.
Derailleurs and multiple sprockets are so noisy and full of extra friction.

 

[novocaine]

Absolutely.
The mental and physical challenge is what sets it apart.
Plus I really enjoy the silence and mechanical efficiency of a singlespeed.
Derailleurs and multiple sprockets are so noisy and full of extra friction.

and you can't be in the wrong gear if you are always in the wrong gear.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Plus I really enjoy the silence and mechanical efficiency of a singlespeed

For me it is the fastest way to "the zone"
Without having to think about whether I am in the most optimal gear, I can focus on not thinking at all

 

[Uncle Grumpy]

Absolutely.
The mental and physical challenge is what sets it apart.
Plus I really enjoy the silence and mechanical efficiency of a singlespeed.
Derailleurs and multiple sprockets are so noisy and full of extra friction.

Yep. There is a distinct lack of friction in the drivetrain. It is simple, it is cleaner.

I think it has made me a smoother rider too. SS teaches you to maintain momentum and rhythm, none of this on the brake off the brake on the gas off the gas - just maintain a steady flow and pick lines that won't sap your momentum.

I'm 55 and I set up my first single speed MTB in 1998. Almost half a life with a SS MTB in my fleet. In that time I have had 6 different SSes, full rigid, hardtail, and a dual suspension (URT with an eccentric hub).

For me it is the fastest way to "the zone"
Without having to think about whether I am in the most optimal gear, I can focus on not thinking at all

This. Though the "not thinking" bit does allow time to think about other more meaningful things than shifting, like the trail and the scenery.

Also with a near silent bike, you notice when things aren't right. Like this... "What's that ticking noise when I pedal..."



Yeah I know... "who runs a SRAM joiner on a SS?" Tight arse single speeders who have been doing this for half their life, that's who.

 

[Thame Game]

Yep. There is a distinct lack of friction in the drivetrain. It is simple, it is cleaner.

I think it has made me a smoother rider too. SS teaches you to maintain momentum and rhythm, none of this on the brake off the brake on the gas off the gas - just maintain a steady flow and pick lines that won't sap your momentum.

I'm 55 and I set up my first single speed MTB in 1998. Almost half a life with a SS MTB in my fleet. In that time I have had 6 different SSes, full rigid, hardtail, and a dual suspension (URT with an eccentric hub).



This. Though the "not thinking" bit does allow time to think about other more meaningful things than shifting, like the trail and the scenery.

Also with a near silent bike, you notice when things aren't right. Like this... "What's that ticking noise when I pedal..."

View attachment 1015990

Yeah I know... "who runs a SRAM joiner on a SS?" Tight arse single speeders who have been doing this for half their life, that's who.

I'm just impressed you found a quick link solution to the Campag C9 chain.