Singlespeed Advice

[GT-Steve]

Just bought a Cannondale SS, loving it, if I'm totally honest, the only one niggle is that I seem to spin the gear up too quickly and before I know it, I'm pedalling like a madman and getting nowhere), which is worrying considering I'm not even fit yet

Current set-up is a 39/21 combo, has anyone got recommendations as to a good all-round gear, or should I really be looking for a twin chainring set-up up front, turning it into a twin speed??

I'd be really interested to see what other gear people are using.

Steve

 

[Sithlord]

I can send you a 19t sprocket fella.. FOC you could try that..

 

[longun]

swap the 21 for a 16/17/18 ,see what works best for you.i ran 32 / 18 for the first few rides and span a bit so swapped for a 16 and it was perfect.trial and error.you kinda get used to spinning a bit on different terrain like smooth flat paths etc but as soon as you get to twisty singletrack fun stuff it kinda comes into its element.i enjoyed it but got a pace so left the idea but soon i rek the konas going ss for summer evening rides.
hope this helps

 

[GT-Steve]

I can send you a 19t sprocket fella.. FOC you could try that..

what a scholar you are sir. Thanks.

 

[orange71]

get on a geared bike and try the different ratios until you find the one that suits and then set that up on the singlespeed.

 

[Pickle]

Of the 2 SS's I've built, I ran 32x18 which was great in the winter gloop and 32x16 on slightly drier conditions.

 

[orange71]

everybody's going to be different - I use 34:16 on my 26" and the same on my 29er :shock: Depends on what terrain you'll be riding too.

 

[hoegaardenadds1]

36:18 here for off road, but used a 52:19 on a road bike once :shock:

 

[ajantom]

2:1 ratio is generally about right.

So 32:16, 36:18, 38:19 will all give the same ratio.

I run 38:19 on one SS, 36:16 on the other (which is a bit high for offroad TBH), and 42:22 on my CX bike (but 48:18 when it's fixed)

Lots of options, but you will always find out that a good offroad SS gear means that you spin out on the road, and a good road SS gear is very hard work offroad!

 

[hamster]

It varies hugely with your strength, fitness and terrain. Start somewhere around 2:1 as everyone else advises - don't get too caught up on exactly what, though.

After a year you will be stronger and fitter and want a taller ratio anyway. I started off on 32/17, now run 32/16.

There will always be some bit you will have to walk, but that's not the point. Your strength, fitness, skills and determination will improve from riding a singlespeed.

Personally I only really see the point of doing it with a rigid fork, as it allows you to climb effectively out of the saddle. You also as a result end up with a crazily light bike (sub-22lb with Deore-level bits), which also helps