[Dirtjumper999]

So my bike has 15.3 " chainstays, and i tried running a 2:1 with a 34t front and a 17t, and I spin WAY too much, I'm down to a 14t on the rear with a 34t on the front. Sooooo, to my question, do shorter chainstays change the ratio? Anyone else have this issue? My last singlespeed dj bike was a kona stuff and 2:1 worked fine.

 

[j.les]

Chainstay length shouldn't change the ratio. Are you running different sized wheels? Also knobbies, air pressure, and soft rubber will slightly affect the ratio.

 

[Dirtjumper999]

26" wheels, 2.35 kenda kiniptions, 80psi. I mean I have no problem running 34:14, but it just puzzles me.

 

[kidwoo]

It's not the chainstays..........you're just manly.

I run a 32/14 too for what it's worth. With a 1:2 I feel like I spin out too much.

 

[ThePriceSeliger]

Yeah I'm 34:14, I think. It's a little much for techy street, but it's just fine.

 

[cmc]

34-14 on a 26" is a pretty strong gear. i prefer 34-16 for all around riding.

(front teeth divided by rear cog teeth ) multiply times wheel diameter = the magic number for comparison.

j.les is right--chainstay length has nothing to do with gear ratio.

55 is medium--not to hard, not too spinny. the traditional bmx gear. 44/16 * 20 = 55.

34/14 * 26 = 63.14
34/16 * 26 = 55.25

 

[opjones]

Shorter chain stays allow for a quicker/snappier take off, gear ratio is still the same. It also could be something else you're over looking, lighter tire, less rolling resistance, a little smaller overall tire diameter on the new bike, better bearings/hubs. I also agree that 2:1 is just a tit to light, I run 2.125:1 (55.25")

 

[Dirtjumper999]

It's not the chainstays..........you're just manly.

I'll take it!

I think your actually right, because the gear set I'm at is perfect for dirtjumps, street, and even a little trail riding. And I have been training for a tri, so maybe its just my legs getting stronger. Well, cool I was just really curious to see if the chainstays had anything to do with it. Thanks guys.

 

[micahb]

Okay, so why do I see guys running set-ups like 22:11. If it is still 2:1, what is the advantage of each?

 

[opjones]

smaller gears = less weight, and more clearance.

For the XC crowd, larger gears = less rotations on the drive train for longer life.