[mazzino]

Hello...

I'm currently running 34x20 on my 26" SS. I definitely want to gear down a bit. I'm thinking of 32x19 or 32x20. I need a new front chainring anyway. Anyone running those gears? I live in Seattle so the trails around here can get a bit hilly. Lots of folks do it around here with higher gears than me, but they're strong, what can I say.

Thanks!

 

[one piece crank]

32x20 = 41.6 gear-inches

I run 40 gear-inches on my SS play bike. I can top-out easily on smooth, flat rides, but there is usually someone riding that pace anyway, so I just spin along. I love the low gearing in rough, technical terrain, and despite the low top-end there is still plenty of snap for clearing obstacles and recovering from forced trackstands. It is also a nice ratio (IMHO) setting-up for unseen drops - you can ride off without a front-end landing! Your climbing technique will also change to the alternate stand-and-sit...

Tom P.

 

[Rip]

32x20 sounds like a good combo.

I'm using 32/14 which isn't exactly low per say but feels low to me compared to the 50x15 on my fixed gear.

 

[MMcG]

Rip where do you ride that you can use 32:14 in the northeast??

 

[Konabumm]

I run 34/17 in the winter 2:1 - during the dry summer I'll run 34/16 or 15 depending on my fitness level. Keep in mind, not alot of climbing in Maryland

 

[Rip]

Rip where do you ride that you can use 32:14 in the northeast??

My mountain bike isn't a xc bike, it's a slalom bike.

I've had no problems with the 32:14, can get up almost everything with it. I'm also comfortable with the 32:14.

It's a 60 gear inch which is no where as high as the 50x15 I run on the fixed gear and I have yet to have walked a climb with that gearing.

 

[mazzino]

Thanks everyone!

Just a follow up. Tried a 32x19 and liked it better than 34x20.

But, 32x20 was perfect. Climbing was much better and it still had enough juice for the flat sections.

Cheers.

 

[4130biker]

I know it's a bit late, but I ride seattle area trails and the 32-21 is what I run and I love it. Sometimes it lacks on the top end, but the climbing is just enough for me to get by (being a new SS rider).

 

[PepperJester]

On my free ride bike I use 32x19. works well for me. We have lots of steep but fairly short climbs where I ride. My xc bike is running 32x14.

 

[slowitdown]

32x20 is good if you live in the alpine zone; bigger gears will work for flatter trails. my 2001 Redline Monocog came with something like a 34x15 and it was awesome for pedaling across town but useless for any serious uphills. most 26" wheeled riders in my area are on 32x20 with a few tough guys on 32x18.

 

[longhaultrucker]

I'm using my ole Monocog mostly on road here lately,but when I was running it on our hilly technical trails,I ran a 32x20,then later as I got softer (or hit steeper trailage) I ran a 32x22. Worked well in the steeps,spun out too fast everywhere else.

 

[NorseManiac]

I just built a SS and am running a 32x18. I hope I can run this, as I would like the run the King cog I got. Seems that some of the other NE peeps are running 32x20.

 

[TreeSaw]

I just built a SS and am running a 32x18. I hope I can run this, as I would like the run the King cog I got. Seems that some of the other NE peeps are running 32x20.

I run 32x18 in the NE. My husband runs 32x16 (when he's feeling saucy) but also runs 32x18.

 

[bikeguru]

I'm on my first singlespeed and find the 32x17 is pretty much perfect for everything here in scotland. Climbs are actually fun, and the extra encouragement to stay off the brakes on the way down makes things pretty entertaining!

 

[J-Dubs]

I've been running 33x18 in NE for the past couple years and I'm more than capable of making it work. That said, after a lap at 24hrs of Great Glen, I ordered a 19t cog. Gonna give that a try.

 

[NorseManiac]

The 32x18 is working out well. Been on a few rides and its fun and fast. All but the bigger/technical ups are doable. SS def makes you work but I love how quickly I have been moving thru the trails.

 

[D.2]

I ride in the northeast and found that 32x20 is nice during the first few weeks while you get your legs trained, but you will probably want to switch to 32x18 as you get into shape. That ratio gives a really nice all-around performance so that you don't find yourself to far behind all your geared friends on the flats, and can still make it up all but the steepest hills. I just switched to a 29er and am running a 32x20 on that -nirvana.

 

[alexrex20]

any other dead threads you want to dig up?