SS Noob Question - Gearing

[dhd.evans]

Hi guys,

I've bought a Pinnacle Dolomite Single Speed (2017 model). The gearing is 44 x 18 which is grand for flats and gentle hills but, genuinely, I'm well and truly spinning out on any downhills.

A quick read around shows me that replacing the rear sprocket with something smaller will alter the ratio and give me that extra 'oomph' on the downhills. That said i have literally zero clue where to get a smaller sprocket and then how to go about setting this up.

For reference i'm a roadie rider (2 x 11) so well versed in having to fettle cassettes and derailleurs but this simpler mechanism is foreign to me!

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Hi guys,

I've bought a Pinnacle Dolomite Single Speed (2017 model). The gearing is 44 x 18 which is grand for flats and gentle hills but, genuinely, I'm well and truly spinning out on any downhills.

A quick read around shows me that replacing the rear sprocket with something smaller will alter the ratio and give me that extra 'oomph' on the downhills. That said i have literally zero clue where to get a smaller sprocket and then how to go about setting this up.

For reference i'm a roadie rider (2 x 11) so well versed in having to fettle cassettes and derailleurs but this simpler mechanism is foreign to me!

Have a look at changing the chain ring, either 46 or 48, your 44x18 gives a 64 inch gear, using a 46 chain ring gives a 67 inch gear and a 48 gives a 70 inch gear. personally I use 44x18.

 

[Racing roadkill]

http://www.cyclesdeoro.com/Shop/gear_chart.htm

Here’s a chart. Aim for about 90 inches, you’ll be fine.

 

[FishFright]

On my SSer when I'm going too fast to pedal comfortably I stop pedalling and freewheel . It saves the energy for the uphills where I wished I had a smaller gear.

 

[Ian H]

I ride 43x17 or 18 fixed. You say 'single-speed' which implies a freewheel. Conventional wisdom is that you can gear lower with a freewheel because you can coast downhill. Fixed-wheel teaches suppleness and smooth pedalling technique (unless you're grinding a 90" gear, obv.).

 

[MossCommuter]

http://www.cyclesdeoro.com/Shop/gear_chart.htm

Here’s a chart. Aim for about 90 inches, you’ll be fine.

90" on the road?! Wow! That sounds huge! 42x16 gives me 70". 44x18 is about 66"; to go to 90" is quite a leap.

 

[Salty seadog]

http://www.cyclesdeoro.com/Shop/gear_chart.htm

Here’s a chart. Aim for about 90 inches, you’ll be fine.

I'd say that was a bit high for most people.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

http://www.cyclesdeoro.com/Shop/gear_chart.htm

Here’s a chart. Aim for about 90 inches, you’ll be fine.

Thats a masive gear, too high for a lot of people

 

[jayonabike]

My single speed is 44 x 16 which is about right for me and where I cycle. I can spin along on the flats at around 20 - 22 mph and get up most hills around here. Down hills I coast and enjoy the free ride.

For single speed free wheels and chainrings look here

http://www.velosolo.co.uk/shopsingle.html

 

[Sharky]

http://www.cyclesdeoro.com/Shop/gear_chart.htm

Here’s a chart. Aim for about 90 inches, you’ll be fine.

I've got two bikes. One a SS (freewheel) with 44x17 - great for normal leisure riding on mixed terrain. The other is a fixed and set up with a 50x14 or 15, but only used for short distance TT's on flat courses. The 50 x 15 (approx. 88") does seem too low sometimes when the wind is behind you and topping 30mph. But the slightest hill and you almost grind to a halt.

 

[dhd.evans]

So, consensus is i could go bigger on front and smaller on back but not as big as 50 x 15 (i misquoted, i have a 46 x 18).

I wonder if 46 x 15 might be a starter for 10 - thoughts?

 

[Sharky]

Sprockets are cheaper than chain rings, so I would keep your 44 ring and just replace your sprocket with a 17t, then a 16t and just experiment.
You'll need a chain whip and if you run out of tension adjustment, may need to shorten the chain.

Good luck

 

[Sharky]

Just googled your bike and the sprockets may not be the screw type, so you might not need the chain whip. Tensioning is by adjusting the bottom bracket, so whatever tools you need for that and you may still need to shorten the chain if you can't take up all the slack in the chain.

 

[Racing roadkill]

Thats a masive gear, too high for a lot of people

It is, but I find it’s very easy to keep a steady pace / Control with a big ratio. I don’t wish to encourage anyone’s grandma to suck the proverbial eggs, but ( set to fixed ) the less time spent switching the twitching ( muscles ) the less tiring the ride ( if you anticipate the stops, and don’t get too many e stops). 90 is a big ask for the un initiated, but if you don’t have any actual climbs, it soon feels natural enough.

 

[Racing roadkill]

I'd say that was a bit high for most people.

You’re right, but once you’re conditioned, it has its advantages.