[BikeSATORI]

I've been doing some thinking on this topic.

First of all, on my 26" I was running a 25x12 (54.17 GI), and I will be the first to admit it is way to light. On my 20" I have 36x13 (55.38) which is pretty well perfect. So if I went to a 26t on the 26" I would be sitting at a 56.3. Somewhere along the line I was told to go to a 27t (58.5) which seems a little steep. Thoughts?

Also, on my 24", I'm up in the air. A 27t would put me at 58.9 (way to big, right?), a 26t would put me at 56.73 (ok, I think), or 25t which would put me at 54.55 (maybe a little light, but not bad).

I ride trails, parks, and street, what would my ideals be.
20" - 36x13 (and someday soon 25x9)
24" - ? x11
26" - ? x12

I think it's just up to the rider, how they ride, and what environment they ride, at least that's the way I look at it.
Some like it on the easier side for slower speed trials type tech moves, where others need to have it all ramped up for top speed and big lines.
Also, if you live in a town/city where you are constantly going up and down crazy elevation in the streets just to get from one end of town to the other, you may want it on the easier side unless you're a big-thigh cranker. I've ridden some cities where shamefully, yeah, I did have to push some streets after a long day (parts of Seattle for example). But, if your city/trails are in the flats, keep those gear inches up so you don't wind out of go power.

I'm at 22:9 at the moment on my 24", which is steep, but I'll see how long I can hack it around here.



edit: oh, Defenestrated, I didn't see your edit before... Eastern26 is just the big wheel division of Eastern BMX. They've been around for a good 3 seasons now and are coming up with some great stuff at some great prices. I had one of the DJ-4 protos, with one of their SS cassette 14mm disc hubs. Was a nice bike. Check their site at eastern26dotcom.

 

[sittingduck]

I have run many combos on 26" wheels, and 27/12 is the best so far. It's a tad stiff, but once you get used to it, it's great. 36/14 on my 20, waiting on a 13T freewheel, it's too light with a 14.
36/16 on my cruiser, a bit light but not bad.
It's going to boil down to personal preference, and what terrain you ride.

 

[t1maglio]

I agree, its what you ride, but I guess what I was thinking was there has always been a standard for BMX (44x16, then 36x13, 25x9, and now 22x8), I guess I just wondered if there was a standard for big bikes as well.

I have a strong BMX background which translates more to a spinner then a masher, but I don't like to spin THAT much. I guess I want to land around 56 GI's (which sucks cuz then I have a brand new 27t Tree just chillaxing in my basement, maybe Dan's will take it back...).

 

[sittingduck]

I suggest you try the 27/12. I think you'll like it.
As far as standards go, probably the most common for 26" is 32/16. Way too light, in my opinion.

 

[v-digit]

all i know is that 25-10 is starting to annoy me on my 24"
i might go back to 30-13 - that was the sweet spot.

 

[t1maglio]

Just dropping back to an 11 in back would bring you down to 56 GI, your currently at 60. The 30-13 will be around 55, but if you just changed your chain ring to a 24 or 23 you could be at 56 or 55 as well. Just a thought.

 

[sittingduck]

30/13 = 2.30
25/11 = 2.27
Should be very close....

 

[v-digit]

right....
might be a silly question.... but the fact that its 25 vs 30 - it doesnt make any difference at all in speed, even w the same ratio?

or maybe i'm thinkin 30-12?

 

[sittingduck]

right....
might be a silly question.... but the fact that its 25 vs 30 - it doesnt make any difference at all in speed, even w the same ratio?

The actual size of one or the other is not the important factor. It's the division of the two (determining the gear ratio) that is critical.
50/20 would feel exactly the same as 25/10. Divide the back into the front and you have your gear ratio.

 

[t1maglio]

24x30/12 = 60, the same as your current set up.

And as long as the ratio is right you have nothing to worry about, a 25 will pedal like a 30 when paired with the correct cog/driver in back.

 

[v-digit]

yea, thats what i thought. i think i've messed with my gear ratios way too much, i forgot which one i loved the best

 

[Bikael Molton]

28:12 is pretty good for DJ on a 26". It seemed OK for my first trip to the park last weekend too.

I find it just a tad slow on DJs with low starting ramps, and may switch to 28:11 if i can dremel this 11T cog out so it works with my 710SL chain.

-r