Fixed gear ratios in Bristol - Clifton?

Golden Steed

Hi All,

Am moving from London to Bristol soon and would like to keep using my Pompino as much as possible.

Currently have a 72" gear but would like to know what folks use around that area as I don't expect this to be suitable. My commute will mostly be up and down the Whiteladies Road and then probably out to Sney Park, Henleaze or Westbury sort of area.

AndyGates

Ach, you'll be fine for that. It's the Gorge you have to worry about: taking a fixie up and down Park Street every day is *challenging*. Maybe go one tooth lighter on the back. Or get huge barrel thighs

Aidy40

Hi, I do these routes regularly either on a fixed mtb approx 66" or on my road bike 72-75" . I seem to manage most hills around Bristol ok even if it means honking up them.
Downhill runs are more tricky, as said in previous post Park street can be a nightmare for wayward pedestrians and car doors. Good to see more fixed riders in Bristol.

Aidy

graham_g

You and me both mate - I'll be moving to Bristol in November/December time and just scoping out where to live. Going down for the weekend in a few weeks with the bike for a mooch around; I'm currently about 69" and can flip to 65" which I expect to use! Always feel like I'm grinding too much when i get into the 70's as Birmingham isn't exactly flat, espeically to the west where I am.

I'd agree with those points though - my grandparents used to live in Clifton and Whiteladies Road isn't bad at all.

Pete Beer

I live in Bristol. One of my bikes is 71" It'll cope with everything. I have't tried Nine Tree Hill or St Michaels but it's fine for Park Street, Ashley Hill etc. I also have a track bike with a 76" which is OK on tubs but really hard work when the clincher's are on. 71 should be spot on.

peejay78

i reckon a 72 will be fine on park street, i used to live near the top and i can get my fixed up highgate hill in london, so would definitely fancy my chances in a race past the wills building.

Golden Steed

Thanks all - having looked at the area I think ill be ok to honk - the only thing i'm worried about is that im quite heavy and i have destroyed a frame at the bottom bracket from honking up hills in a big gear

honk honk

AndyGates

peejay78 wrote:

i reckon a 72 will be fine on park street

You're stronger than me.

I shall have to send my ninjas to kill you.

peejay78

it's a misspent youth riding up the various climbs off the a377, including the beast of burrington and the col de chulmleigh.