single speed gear ratio?

[guybe]

Hello

What is the ideally single speed gear ratio on MTB for all type of cycling, mostly on road, not too easy and not too hard, a ratio to have a great balance for daily use.

I am thinking making an old Kona Hahanna into single speed for fun riding.

Thanks guys

 

[cchris2lou]

on the road I use 46*14=3.28 .

a bit big .

 

[rob brown]

32 * 16 is 'the norm' for mtb's though if you have lots of road work to do before geting to the single track you might find it a bit twiddly.

On my fixie I run 42 *16 which is great for 'proper' road riding.

 

[Max P]

Off road - (flatish) I use 39/19 = 53"

Off road fixed I use 39/18 = 56

The semi-standard off road SS ratio is 52" so 36/18, 32/16, 34/17, 38/19 etc.

Best thing is to go out on a geared bike on your usual terrain and stick it in one gear that you find most comfortable for your riding.

Calculate the gear inches and replicate it on your SS.

On road fixed normal ratio is around 70" - 75"

 

[cce]

3:1 is the accepted road norm, 2:1 being the offroad standard (with 32:16 being the "classic" offroad gear)

 

[ededwards]

Sound advice above, for what it's worth I use 48x18 on the road (700c wheels if you want to calculate gear inches - see Sheldon Brown for information) and 32x16 off road (2:1 ratio is very much the standard offroad, if such a thing exists, and a good point to strat from)

 

[gump]

I use a 32:17 offroad. For the chase this for me is ideal, tried 32:16 and 34:16 but happier to spin a bit and get up the climbs easier

 

[orange71]

I use 45:15 on road and 34:17 off (3:1 and 2:1)

 

[cannondale king]

the perfect combo for mtb is 16-38 a real off-road mans ratio

 

[velomaniac]

Off road and on for fixed riding I favour 42/19, all out speed is not an issue but control is, easier to acelerate and decelerate.
Freewheel is classic 32/16 off road with 180mm length cranks for leverage but I'm experimenting with 28/16 for better climbing and daring myself off the brakes for longer on downhills to keep pace up.
Ultimately with SS no gear is perfect and thus working on your running legs as well for hills you cant climb is a good idea !!!!!

Cheers