Revolution Courier Single - Q's

andrew_b_1975

After spending last week riding round Centre Parcs on a singlespeed bike I have decided (much to my wife's pleasure) to "trim" my bike collection and get something more practical / family orientated.

I have been looking at the Revolution Courier Single and it seems to meet most of my criteria ...

My only concern is I am unsure what "gear ratio" to get for a general town bike. Can anyone offer advice or point me in the direction of a good website?

My main duty is towing a tag-a-long or riding with the child seat on.

Would it be a better idea to consider the Nexus version?

Anyone own one?

lae

Around 70 gear inches is where most people start off, it's a good compromise between spinning out on the flat and being able to get up hills.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gears/

Play around with this to find what cogs you could use. 48x18 is a really common one.

majormantra

I'm not sure a SS is a great idea for child-hauling duties. You may find it rather hard work and with a kid in the seat on the back you wouldn't want to be out of the saddle flinging the bike around, which tends to be a necessity with only one gear unless you're somewhere totally flat.

stickman

For towing maybe try 44x18 to start then modify if necessary?

andrew_b_1975

Not too many hills in Norfolk ...

I'm hoping that I won't be towing the kiddie trailer for much longer. The hire bike I rode round Centre Parcs was singlespeed and didn't seem to have any issues.

Trying to find a bike that would appease my desire for a singlespeed that can be justified by all round use.

stickman

For normal riding I have 44x16, used to have 46x18 but outgrew it. It depends how much you ride, what you're used to.

Gav2000

I have a Courier Nexus and use it during the winter and for family riding, it is very good for this. I do fancy a fixed geared bike for myslef but have to admit that the Nexus is a great value bike that can do most things.

Gav,

GarethPJ

stickman wrote:

For towing maybe try 44x18 to start then modify if necessary?

Bit low maybe? That's only 62" on those tyres.

stickman

My estimate for towing - but i've never towed so maybe not?

GarethPJ

IME unless you're climbing you only need a low gear for towing when pulling away, once you're rolling on the flat you hardly notice the extra load. Funnilly enough I've noticed the weight of a trailerbike more when braking.