Most suitable gearing for single speed

[bikesnoopy]

What size are generally the best "all rounders" for a single speed MTB?
Im thinking 34T front - 20T rear.
Any thoughts or advice?
What do most peeps use?

 

[claret73]

I've got a 32x16 which seems to be commom & also an 18 for that bit easier...not rode either yet...still build sheet planning.

 

[bm0p700f]

I have ridden 32x16 for years. 32x18 was too easy but I am now going to try 38 biopacex 16. If theat is too tall I might try 28T biopacex 14 or 38x18. I will try and see.

 

[bikesnoopy]

Hmmm food for thought. . . thanks chaps!

 

[feetabix]

2:1 for an mtb as a starting point......you will spin that out on the road though, I have set my dale up for road use and use a 48:18 set up for that.....it gives a real workout though when things start pointing upwards!.....

 

[orange71]

take your geared bike and stay in one gear. If it's too high shift down and vice versa, when it's right use that ratio for your singlespeed.

 

[claret73]

Re: drain valve

I cant see 22x30 working too well...

 

[Andy R]

"bm0p700f"32x18 was too easy

Mmm - I wish I found 32:18 "too easy" .
Mostly I'm using 32:20 (26" wheel). I can spin that along at 15mph on the flats ok, which is something like a cadence of 120 I suppose.
Mind you, I don't ride many places that are flat, 32:20 is still plenty tough enough on a lot of the climbs and downhill the gearing doesn't matter anyway.

I'd start with something like 46" gearing and go up or down depending on where you ride (as long as it's not on the road - I haven't the faintest idea about what works there).

 

[Jamiedyer]

32/16

I ride 32/16 on my 1x1. Have alternated in the past with a 17 depending on conditions. 32/16 seems a good start and then take it from there with what feels right.
Happy trails
Jamie

 

[chriscl]

I'm currently running 36/16 on my Gary Fisher, it's more for commuting as I'd spin out a 32/16 on the roads around here!