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32T to 34T or 36T?

999 views 9 replies 6 participants last post by  umarth 
#1 ·
I just put my single speed together. I'm going to use it mostly for riding to work which is about 2 miles and pretty flat. Right now I'm using a 32/16 combo because that's what came with my SS conversion kit and new cranks. I spin pretty fast in this combo and would like to have it a little harder to pedal so I won't spin so fast. I was thinking of swapping the front to either a 34T or 36T. Would I notice a real difference with the 34 or would it be better to go with the 36?
 
#5 ·
Again, depending on gradient of the route will affect how much you'll spin or crunch.


For the relatively flat, without long hills for me to climb; I can play with 80-85 gear inches.

My SS trekking is 44:14 magic ratio with a half link, on 700x28c. Works out to 84.1GI.
My old 26"er as a commuter, was 48:16 on 1.5" slicks... a spinny 74.6GI. So to achieve a similar GI as my 700c trekker on the 26"er while running a 16T rear cog, the front chainring would have to be 54T.

Keep in mind; a one tooth difference in the front can't be felt too easily, but a single tooth difference in the rear will make itself felt.
 
#10 ·
I'm more of a fan of 70 gear inches, assuming you are keeping it to (mostly) paved surfaces. It might be because I like to spin, or I don't like having to mash for thirty seconds to get up to speed after a light or stop sign.

If you are doing some offroad that is flat, run 60.

If you are doing only paved, think about 170mm crank arms.
 
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