Fixed equivalent on a geared bike

Squeak191
Squeak191 Posts: 24
edited May 2007 in Road general
Hi there,
I am thinking of changing over to a fixed bike from my current geared hybrid bike. I am wondering though, if you ride fixed, what is the equivalent 'gear' you are riding in, on a geared bike... if that makes sense! I've got the usual 7 gears (or it could even be 8) and have been trying to ride in high gears for the last while to see what it's like.
Any help appreciated.
Thankyou.

Comments

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    General consensus seems to be that can ride a slightly higher gear in fixed than free. So, select a c. 70" gearing and try riding without changing for a typical journey. Experiment. Find *best* compromise and then go up maybe 2-3" on a fixed.

    Opinion only you understand!

    d.j.
    "Like a true nature's child,
    We were born,
    Born to drink mild"
  • jalapeno
    jalapeno Posts: 1,009
    concur with d.j. Also keep the chainring and sprocket on the large side, the chain 'rolls'/wraps better around them which seems to add to the efficiency. 48x18 or 49x19 is a good compromise I reckon.
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  • Squeak191
    Squeak191 Posts: 24
    Thanks for that info. I will keep experimenting with the high gears on my commute and see how I get on.
    Cheers!
  • Greenbank
    Greenbank Posts: 731
    If you live somewhere hilly then I'd start off with 67" (46x18 on 700x25c tyres).

    If you live somewhere really hilly then maybe even 64" (but you'll be spinning and braking like mad on the descents).

    For London (and a few hills in and around) I'd start off with 71" (46x17 on 700x25c).

    I can happily do London to Guildford and back on 71" but I'd suffer big time if I took that gear out towards Wales :)

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  • knucklehead
    knucklehead Posts: 243
    Unless your going for a fixed hybred bike its going to be a different riding position and experience anyway so you might as well just enjoy riding your current bike until you get your hands on a fixed bike then try it out.
    Surly do a cog called a dingle which allows riders to change gear when out and about. Its good if you want a high gear for say commuting a short distance and a slightly easier gear for touring. See http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/fixe ... tml#dingle for more info.
    _______________________________________________________________________
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  • hubgearfreak
    hubgearfreak Posts: 480
    <blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by jalapeno</i>48x18 or 49x19 is a good compromise I reckon.
    <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

    did you mean to type 48x19?
    not that it makes much difference, around 2%...
    just it's not a common chainwheel

    anyhow, i agree. either of those are spot on[:)]

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