Singlespeed MTB conversion

The Black Fringe
The Black Fringe Posts: 2
edited October 2013 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi
I've been riding my mtb 5 or so miles to work and back for a few weeks and have realised that i never change gear. My mtb is also a pretty old (and shoddy) Townsend with horizontal dropouts and no rear derailleur hanger. So I thought single speed would be the way to go. Can anyone suggest a good gear ratio? At the moment I've got 48t/14t and I can pretty much handle the main hill on my way to work at a reasonable speed (considering its heavy old mtg), it usually takes about half an hour. I've read that 36t/16t is a better start point but I have no idea where to begin.
Cheers

oh and I'm fairly certain I'd be better off getting a new bike but wheres the fun in that'?!

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    if that is what suits you then use it but if going off road a 2:1 is more normal.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • estampida
    estampida Posts: 1,008
    that should read

    - 2 shakes for every stroke........
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    With Nick, 32:16 (2:1) is very common for offroading, but as yours wuill only be used by you on the 1 commute, then match the ratio that you find works.

    My commuter runs 1x9 (46t and 11-28t) as that works fine for me on my commute, hard work on anything hillier though!
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.

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