Chain ring + Sprocket & hub question

Jonny:D
Jonny:D Posts: 7
edited February 2012 in Workshop
Hi, I've had a problem deciding what ratio I should have. Currently I run a fixed gear with a ratio of 46/18, over here in Kent it's abit hilly (not too steep) but sometimes I struggle to get up them. Also, I can't lock the rear wheel to skid, I don't know if this is due to the bike being quiet heavy or shitty hubs? I was thinking of down grading to a 46/19 or a 44/18, Is it a huge difference if I do so?

Second question: I plan on having it temporarily single speed but my hub is a phil wood hub, it's not flip flop. Can I put a freewheel cog on a fixed thread? If so, what is vital that I do while attaching it?

Thanks

Comments

  • timmyturbo
    timmyturbo Posts: 617
    maybe this would do the job ?? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Single-Speed- ... 674wt_1023
    Britannia waives the rules
  • amaferanga
    amaferanga Posts: 6,789
    Why would you want to skid?
    More problems but still living....
  • Twostage
    Twostage Posts: 987
    amaferanga wrote:
    Why would you want to skid?
    Its cool ? :wink:
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    You need to run a lower gear ratio if you want to be able to skid IME - but brake blocks are cheaper than tyres and better at keeping control. You can put a freewheel on a track hub, but the thread engagement is less and you could strip the thread and render the hub useless. Advising on gear ratios is a bit like advising on bike sizing online - it depends on so many factors.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • Jonny:D
    Jonny:D Posts: 7
    timmyturbo wrote:
    maybe this would do the job ?? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Single-Speed- ... 674wt_1023

    This is exactly what I need, thank you :)
  • Jonny:D
    Jonny:D Posts: 7
    Monty Dog wrote:
    You need to run a lower gear ratio if you want to be able to skid IME - but brake blocks are cheaper than tyres and better at keeping control. You can put a freewheel on a track hub, but the thread engagement is less and you could strip the thread and render the hub useless. Advising on gear ratios is a bit like advising on bike sizing online - it depends on so many factors.

    Should I in that case attach the sprocket onto the fixed hub professionally? I wanted to know If i'd be able to notice a huge difference, on a 46/18 there are 69.0 gear inches. I was thinking of going down to 46/19 (65.4 gear inches) or 44/18 (66.0) It's kinda hard to find 19t so 44/18 would be the easiest one to downgrade to in terms of cost. But If that ratio didn't suit me and I wanted to downgrade it would take me down to 61 gear inches or if I wanted to upgrade It would take me up to a gear inch greater to what I have now. What do you think?
  • Jonny:D
    Jonny:D Posts: 7
    amaferanga wrote:
    Why would you want to skid?
    I need to stop, with the ratio I have now it's a struggle stopping, which of course I suspect it happens to every fixed gear rider. However, I think being able to skid is an indicator of what ratio would suit you. I know it's mostly technique but still.
  • amaferanga
    amaferanga Posts: 6,789
    Jonny:D wrote:
    amaferanga wrote:
    Why would you want to skid?
    I need to stop, with the ratio I have now it's a struggle stopping, which of course I suspect it happens to every fixed gear rider. However, I think being able to skid is an indicator of what ratio would suit you. I know it's mostly technique but still.

    I've never skidded on fixed - never even tried. Front brake + leg braking should see you stopping pretty damn quickly without skidding.
    More problems but still living....
  • Jonny:D
    Jonny:D Posts: 7
    amaferanga wrote:
    Jonny:D wrote:
    amaferanga wrote:
    Why would you want to skid?
    I need to stop, with the ratio I have now it's a struggle stopping, which of course I suspect it happens to every fixed gear rider. However, I think being able to skid is an indicator of what ratio would suit you. I know it's mostly technique but still.

    I've never skidded on fixed - never even tried. Front brake + leg braking should see you stopping pretty damn quickly without skidding.

    haha, it's a gradual thing for me on a 46/18, so I need to downgrade... or beefen up my legs, downgradings easier.
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Reducing your gear ratio depends on how hard you are prepared to spend at high cadences or just pootling along? Likewise, lower gear might help on climbs but then you'll be spinning like a loon on downhills and really will want for decent brakes (front and rear). Much as it might offend folks hipster-groovy tendencies for fixed-gear riding, but using brakes is far better for controlling speed that skidding or using your legs.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • Jonny:D
    Jonny:D Posts: 7
    Monty Dog wrote:
    Reducing your gear ratio depends on how hard you are prepared to spend at high cadences or just pootling along? Likewise, lower gear might help on climbs but then you'll be spinning like a loon on downhills and really will want for decent brakes (front and rear). Much as it might offend folks hipster-groovy tendencies for fixed-gear riding, but using brakes is far better for controlling speed that skidding or using your legs.

    I'm planning on having it temporarily single speed so the spinning won't be a problem just yet... I'll be converting it back to fixed gear when I get back to London.

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