Ted Ernst wrote:
Enjoyed your fixed gear post. How about sharing what gear ratio or front and rear tooth combo you're using along with average geography or terrain you normally ride on. That would help a lot of riders / list members who are not familiar with riding a fixed gear what to expect and whether to try it or not. Ted Ernst Palos Verdes Estates, CA
I'm coming in late on this discussion, so my too scents:
Fixed gear number one is a Sears Free Spirit Ted Williams model, DB 531, and is my year round commuter, with racks, fenders, and a 44 x 17 drive train. My commute is mostly flat, so at 70 gear inches, it works well. However the commute home is at times into the wind, so it can be a push. I used to ride this bike with front brake only, but after a couple of painful panic skids to avoid drivers who tried to take me out, I now have front and rear sidepulls. Oh well. I'm not 20 anymore. My pride is not injured.
Number two is an off topic Ibis Scorcher, and at 52x 20 (stock was 53x20!) it's just a bit too steep. I stressed some ligaments in my left hip locking up the rear wheel, so this one will get either a 51 ring or a 21 cog. No front brake currently but I may return it to original and put the front brake back on.
As far as spinning out down hill, if I get going faster than I can use my legs, I just take my feet off the pedals.
(kidding)
Jay Sexton
Sebastopol, CA