Singlespeed ratios

[IDB1]

Currently running a 36 front 14 rear, just wondering how changes in ring sizes would affect things..

For instance. . . if I put a 38 front on, would putting a 12 rear be the same as my 36/14??

Comparing with 36/14....
Would 36/16 make pedalling harder or easier?
What about 34/14?

 

[hamster]

Use the ratio of the two sizes...

So 32/16 is the same as 34/17 or 36/18.

More cogs on the back or less on the front is easier. Less on the back and more on the front is harder (but you go faster downhill)

 

[perry]

Have a play

http://software.bareknucklebrigade.com/

Basically if you need to use a larger chainring you also need to change to a larger rear sprocket . I can only think of bmx ratios off the top of my head but 44/16 , 39/14 , 36/13 , 28/10 are all near enough the same ratio . They wont be exactly the same but you can't get halfs so there is a slight difference .

it's one of those things you need to get clear in your mind , how the larger front pulls the smaller rear .

Get a bit of string and tie it into a loop and play with various diameter round things to get a good visualization .

 

[IDB1]

Dunno why I was struggling to get my head around this so much. . .

36/14 is a 2.57(142857) ratio..

38 front would mean a 15 rear (I take it you round up/down in the normal way?? over 0.5, round up, under 0.5 round down). . .

Should I just give my head a rest and use 2.5 . . . . .

I quite like the 36/14.. not pedalling like a loony to get anywhere but getting going relatively easily. .
But I want to play a little to see if I like another one better..

 

[suburbanreuben]

Either, you have legs like tree trunks, or there are no hills round your way... :?

 

[IDB1]

Either, you have legs like tree trunks, or there are no hills round your way... :?

The latter

Is 36/14 considered quite a sturdy choice then??

Until I'm back in the saddle proper, I'll be doing a lot of very easy stuff - not seeking out anything remotely hilly for some time....

 

[Pickle]

I run 32x16 which I find perfect for everything.

 

[Easy_Rider]

Are you talking road or off road? A 2.57 ratio would be very hard going off road, lots of pushing i'd imagine. I found 2.375 too tough on the bridleways of the Cheshire plains, just couldn't pedal through the mud ruts.

 

[IDB1]

All road and real easy footpaths at the mo (and for the foreseeable - probably all this year to be fair)..

Hoping to get fit(tish) this year, get a couple of nice rides built etc. in time for a 'coming out' next year.....

 

[Easy_Rider]

I think that ratio would be fine for what you want to use it for then, more or less what id go for, no point busting your knees with something tougher.