Are Big Fixed Gear Ratios Actually Faster?
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Күн бұрынThe bike I ride, channel sponsor, pretty cool people:
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Since street fixed gear riding was born from track cycling, a lot of fixed gear riders have an obsession with riding the biggest gear ratio possible. But there's two schools of thought when it comes to ideal gear ratios for street riding: spinners vs. mashers. Spinners argue that learning to spin a lower gear ratio at higher cadences allows the rider to traverse steeper terrains AND be faster on flats. Mashers argue "big ratio, big muscle, big speed." To find out whether a big gear ratio is actually faster for street riding, not just for pros on the track, I try riding my normal 25 mile loop with the biggest fixed gear ratio I've ever ridden. The results may surprise you.
Sources:
Gear Inch Calculator: www.bikecalc.com/gear_inches
World Hour Record Gear Ratios: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hour_re...
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@GoldryBluszco 3 жыл бұрын
"Please turn green" the mantra of the fixed gear rider
@lacuisseqc1655 3 жыл бұрын
I go on pretty deep trances with this one
@Newtube_Channel 2 жыл бұрын
The mantra is don't stop on red.
@siv5342 2 жыл бұрын
@@Newtube_Channel that only works in new york
@0fficer47 Жыл бұрын
I just think of reds for track stand practice
@elnyoutube123 Жыл бұрын
I need that on a t shirt lol
@trelane751 3 жыл бұрын
Just to clarify. He has been riding for YEARS so his ability to keep the same cadence despite the bigger gear is way higher than a normal cyclist. Just putting that out there for fixie riders that are thinking about going up a size
@chrislukes9037 3 жыл бұрын
Absolutely. He positions this video as if it's a question about the gearing itself, but he touches on the real consideration @11:05 - "I'm learning that *_I_* actually ... have the engine to actually push that big gear ratio" On flat straightaways, it basically comes down to: if *_you_* can maintain the same cadence, then yes a bigger ratio is always faster; if *_you_* can't avoid a reduction in cadence^, then it's not (^technically, only if the relative reduction in cadence exceeds the relative increase in gear ratio - so in Zach's example he needed to average >13/15ths of his normal cadence in order to go faster).
@ForestGnome13 2 жыл бұрын
Anything is possible no matter the time
@Fixedgearluv 2 жыл бұрын
I'm I the only one that thinks that for street going up in chainring is better than going down on Cog, because a smaller circumference cause more friction making pedaling more uncomfortable, so lets say, 52:16 should do the same as 49:13 but I also should be smoother.
@rstjx3j183 2 жыл бұрын
As a point of reference for myself. Around 20 years ago, and demonstrates my age and that of bike recently replaced. Not as someone who considered themselves fit. Managed 20 miles in 1.5hrs the first time, and 1hr the second. Had to contend with head wind, and wind behind me given each direction. I did have bike go in to make as a hybrid, skinnier road tyres from mountain bike tyres, a full service, and a different chain set from original, essentially expecting for it to be done in this manner of video. However, as was using 3 chain rails at front and 7 cogs on rear cassette. Was vaguely recall as couldn’t go bigger at front. May have had something to do with derailleur. Because I wanted to push myself harder. The modification back then failed to deliver. I tended to mainly use just the front gears, and mostly rode round in highest gear everywhere. And stood on pedals to get myself up the hills back then, using body weight as leverage I guess. Just thinking out loud, and give a food for thought :)
@knarf_on_a_bike 3 жыл бұрын
When I went from 53 - 16 to 49 - 16, I found I went faster in-city. I could spin and be far more efficient. Then I went 49 - 17 (about 76 gear inches) and found it even faster. I've settled into 49 - 17 for almost 20 years now and it totally works for me.
@yelloface1085 Жыл бұрын
@Critical Path, Omg that's just my story. Year ago i was riding 46/16 spinning like hell and it felt like i was wasting my energy. Rn i ride 53/16 but i can't maintain high cadence. So i'm thinking what would be better to use at flat surface... 53/13 with extremely low cadence but apparently high speed. Or 46/15 with much faster cadence and theoretically high speed.
@Angelripper65 Жыл бұрын
how work the 49/16?
@MarcFurfaro 3 ай бұрын
I'm an urban rider and found 46/16 to be really nice balance of torque output for quick manoeuvring and spinning during flats is comfortable to maintain - dropping to 46/15 is really nice for long/group rides and can use the same chain
@appetit2619 3 жыл бұрын
the new camera really brings up the production quality.
@jedsblz7124 3 жыл бұрын
true
@joshuahodge8537 3 жыл бұрын
Not when your watching in 360p :P
@appetit2619 3 жыл бұрын
@@joshuahodge8537 its not really all about the resolution.
@mydearriley 3 жыл бұрын
what's the new camera he got? (this is my first video of his)
@appetit2619 3 жыл бұрын
@@mydearriley doesnt really know but its in his ig. welcome to the cult my dude
@kadaverf 3 жыл бұрын
I used to ride 52x13 when I rode 4 hours a day a few years ago and loved it! I did find that small cogs eat up your chains fast though, so I ran through 3 or 4 cogs and chains a year. Now I don't ride that often anymore, so I am on 52x16 and that makes a hell of a difference :)
@joaquinherrera5851 Жыл бұрын
I'm currently riding that setup and been riding it for a couple years now and I can't see myself dropping down anytime soon,it's awesome..will admit that it takes a little while to get used to,but once u do it's great!
@bamf6603 Жыл бұрын
4 hours a day, wow my knees would explode.
@MatissAndersons 3 жыл бұрын
Depends on distance, if you have to start and stop more often, lower ratio could be faster, since you can gain more speed in less time than using big ratio
@psychoaiko666 3 жыл бұрын
Actually no. I have a big gear bike (56/14) and one with a spinny ratio (47/16-18 flip-flop with 2 different size cogs). I can tell you from my experience you can have an explosive start with a big gear ratio as well. So that would actually make a big ratio even faster... Given that the rider has the legs for it. But what's more important is what feels comfortable to each individual rider.
@bruhification 3 жыл бұрын
@@psychoaiko666 You probably have a low cadence overall.
@mikuramsay 3 жыл бұрын
@@psychoaiko666 if you start fast on a big ratio, you will start even faster with a smaller ratio, if you ride in dense traffic, you will also need to slow down fast as well, which is hard for big ratios. I came from mountain biking, chasing roadies and fixed riders, therefore I am used to smaller ratios. Heck, I am able to spin well beyond 200 rpm, this is what people mean by spin to win, you can literally just pedal faster. It'll look stupid, but you can still match the speeds of a bigger ratio rider.
@hdro3345 3 жыл бұрын
Power output would need to be determined before making any assumptions.
@psychoaiko666 3 жыл бұрын
@@bruhification you assume wrong
@davidkellman 2 жыл бұрын
I inherited my first fixie with a ratio of 53/14 back in 2009. Used it for mess work in NYC. Didn't know any better. My knees are 75 years old. Right now, I ride 38/13 and keep it chill. After years of playing around with a few combinations, I think the best way to grow as a fixed gear rider is to go back and forth between small and large ratios. Keeps your body guessing.
@paulnam4488 8 ай бұрын
Interesting about keeping the body guessing by going back and forth between different ratios because I've been doing that with single speed mountain biking for a long time, and for a similar reason. I ride fixed on my daily commute and I've never thought of varying the ratio just to mix it up.
@roguecode2354 3 жыл бұрын
This happened to me but I am much happier riding with a smaller ratio 48x17. When you are energized and pumped up a high ratio is no big deal, but can be way difficult if you are tired and are going down hill towards traffic. And if you don't ride that often the big ratio always feels tough at first, if you ride daily it just gets easier.
@chrisakaschulbus4903 Жыл бұрын
I get off while riding my bicycle.
@wakeawaken430 3 жыл бұрын
I didn't see the video yet I started from 76 gear inches I moved to 71 Then to 68 Now i am with 63.7 and i have the faster average speed, 25km/h in every terrain, light uphills i don't even feel them I can skid easily, i have brakes but i do it for fun, spin is better if you are 40+ years old, for your heart, and of course better for knees
@tbz1551 3 жыл бұрын
“Better for your heart”? Elaborate..
@huntergibson9359 3 жыл бұрын
@@tbz1551 the smaller ratio emphasizes cardio over anaerobic exercise. Cardio is very good for the heart.
@balajim2376 2 жыл бұрын
appreciate if u can let us know your gear setup...
@wakeawaken430 2 жыл бұрын
@@balajim2376 46/19 when I made the post and I am still happy with this
@redalert2834 6 ай бұрын
Going from a 15 to a 13 tooth cog would increase your speed from 15.5 to 17.88 mph if you were pedalling at the same rate, but your power/effort would have to increase a lot for that. The fact that your new speed was closer to 17.88 than 15.5 mph suggests to me you benefited from tailwinds on your loop more than you were hindered by headwinds - or you were making more of an effort with the bigger gear. I know from riding with ordinary gears that selecting an abnormally big gear only helps if you have a tailwind.
@Not_Sure_ 3 жыл бұрын
The suburbs of Sacramento have fewer controlled intersections with lights. I would say if you want to go faster change the rear COG one tooth smaller at a time. Just remember that the faster you're going the harder it's going to be to come to a safe stop. Especially in an emergency situations.
@holla4adolla3 3 жыл бұрын
I got back into track bike cycling after 8 years and started with my old ratio which a 48/17 but I felt like I was always over spinning on all terrain, which was in January this year, I’ve worked my way up to my current ratio which is a 51/15 which I use on all my current rides, I don’t commute with it I ride it for pure fitness and enjoyment, I’m now averaging a nice 70-80rpm on rides at 20+miles which is mostly flat terrain but I have no qualms when in climbing situations. The only drawback in my opinion is how much energy it takes when slowing down on longer rides.
@dannystarkridesfixed 3 жыл бұрын
Zachary the little fixed gear engine that could 🚂
@OneWheelLess 3 жыл бұрын
This is really interesting, I ride a spinny ratio, for me a 46/19 works well and I can average 16-17mph on flat-ish terrain including gravel. I’m a Singlespeed rider so I don’t have to worry about spinning out on hills, I just aero tuck and bomb it. The spinny ratio allows me to climb some pretty steep stuff. If I rode fixed I’d have to run a bigger gear.
@maxsievers8251 2 жыл бұрын
Nice. I have a flipflop hub with a bigger sprocket on a freewheel for hills and the smaller cog fixed for flat terrain. I enjoy both.
@benbraceletspurple9108 Жыл бұрын
Pretty irrelevant comment.
@AEtherGhost136 3 жыл бұрын
I've been riding 49/17 for almost 4 years and I just now switched over to an 18t cog in the rear because my town is very hilly and I like to off-road a bit and on my old gear ratio I felt like unless I went to the beach or somewhere else flat I never got to a comfortable cadence. But on my very first ride with the 49/18 ratio it was bliss. Hills aren't so bad anymore I can stop easier and even on flats I can still get up to speed well. The best part is I'm always at a comfortable cadence no matter what
@AEtherGhost136 3 жыл бұрын
I actually just passed thru Sacramento on my way to Oroville where my family lives and brought my bike with me and it's so different, almost nothing but flats or offroad and the new gear ratio still rocks great!
@StandbyCymbalist 3 жыл бұрын
awesome vid Zach! I ride a total beach cruiser ratio on my fixed gear, cause I do tricks, carry heavy loads of groceries, and want to be able to evade cars by accelerating quickly if i have to.
@elnyoutube123 Жыл бұрын
I built my fixie 3 years ago and have had the same exact setup you just showed in the video for those 3 years. I had no idea what I was doing when I built the bike I have gotten so used to it I know how to control every little aspect of the bike. It's very easy to ride slow around town because you exert almost no effort at all to ride slow, and riding "slow" with such a large ratio is actually going "normal" speed with smaller gearing.
@hugogomez7359 Жыл бұрын
love your videos bro, keep it up
@rstjx3j183 2 жыл бұрын
This is exactly the video I needed to see. My former manual bike was should I say, frustrating me because I was topping out max gear and wanted more to allow myself to push myself more. Well, recently got an ebike 250W and once again a little disappointed at how quick it cuts out on assist. So, I have already changed the seat for comfort, the handle bars to sit up more, and even changed the chain set all from my old bike to have a baseline. The wheels are bigger, so +2 on the chain set, but I am running a rear 16t on the rear and before my smallest was 14t so would assume the same. I have just ordered a complete crank with 58t and plan to place a 10-12t on the rear cog once I can find one suitable. With the motor, should assist me on hills, and allow me to be like you enjoying riding at a fair pace, comfortable cadence and have the best of all three of my worlds, the old, up cycled and the new and modified. Ebike 42/16 Manual 48/14 Current 48/16 Next will be 58/10 or 12 ideally 10 I recall the differences in hearing from being a biker and changing the sprockets, but in the opposite manner. 3 teeth more on rear, and a drop of a tooth at front. Acceleration was made, wanting to lift 1-3 gears on throttle. So it’s interesting to be playing around now on single gearing front and rear on push bike. Thanks for sharing.
@lvhydro5935 2 жыл бұрын
I've ridden Fixed since high school daily as my main means of transportation for many years now [im 26 now] and have always gone with my 52/13 ratio. keep in mind im only 5'9 and weigh 140 pounds on a wet day. I love this ratio especially on flat land and down hill. Up hills are always a tough one but after some weeks you get used to it.
@tattoojosh1 2 жыл бұрын
Joe?
@josiah_crazy7621 3 жыл бұрын
Omg ur almost at 100k 🥳🥳 great video good luck on 1 million
@gerardobenitez3138 2 жыл бұрын
I used to daily 54:13 3-4 years ago. I found it super easy. I would put my weight on the down peddles without using my leg muscles too much. My legs became beefy and with time my joints were able to keep up. 6-12 hours of daily cycling was brutal but suuuper effective training. After 2 to 3 years of it I randomly decided to see exactly what my body could do. We have a water canal in my city and you can cycle alongside it for MILES. The goal was to see how far I can get with in an hour. After 20 minutes of putting as much force as I could manage into the bike, the 54 tooth chain ring warped so bad I had to stop. I got a 52 after that but it never felt as challenging. I put as much force as I could in it as well but this one never warped. 52:13 is the highest reliable ratio in my opinion. Since then I have always advocated for people to use the highest gear ratio they can
@colecoleman1499 Жыл бұрын
Get in 54 by 15. Thank me later
@davidburgess741 3 жыл бұрын
That's been my observation. I ride a small 48×19 most of the time because a slower pace suits much longer rides. There is a 17 on the other side I use for tailwinds. On short fast rides this is about 1.5mph faster. No real hills around here. One thing is sure. The really big gears do limit the hills you can climb. Physics takes over!
@neelsahay3585 3 жыл бұрын
the amount of trendy fixie/tarck kids (particularly younger ones) I see arguing over big gear ratios is honestly concerning, unless you plan on being a knee surgeon in, say, 15 years.... kids out here are tryna climb mountains with a 3.0+ gear ratio like it's somehow a good idea, then descend it brakeless on shredded tires... There should be a point where health and logic takes precedence over bragging rights...
@tbz1551 3 жыл бұрын
‘Health and logic’ to the younger fixed gear crowd? That’s akin to standing at a skatepark telling kids the advantages of helmets, waste of breath. I was an idiot on a bike when I was younger and proudly so. With injury comes experience lol... you just hope it’s survivable.
@chazwarpdrive5171 3 жыл бұрын
I'm a former masher, now a spinner convert. I just found it more practical for my urban environment with hills and traffic. Recently built myself a much lighter wheelset, so I may increase my ratio slightly, but I'm also getting old, so these knees aren't as fresh as they once were. I definitely feel like I am spinning out on times when I get on trails that allow me to open up with longer uninterrupted stretches, but those aren't the rides I often find myself using a fixed gear for.
@ghost-facedhindu4275 3 жыл бұрын
4:45 Zach explains why I have a 56x14 gear setup. I hate spinning, I love to keep an good cadence when I'm riding. As far as "Is it faster?" The answer is, it can be. But for me I've got to have some distanced to get up to speed. When I'm at my comfortable pace, I'll pass Looks and Bianchis with 46x18 setups.
@joelw.3921 3 жыл бұрын
Sick bro. I just upgraded from a 48×16 to a 54×16 gear setup. Feels much more efficient to me. I still get up hills and maintain the same average speed with less spin.
@ghost-facedhindu4275 3 жыл бұрын
@Bebo Most people should be able to do a Tour de France cadence for a least three hours, else you're a fatty. Seems legit.
@karlwalters3763 3 жыл бұрын
@@ghost-facedhindu4275 Care to explain what a "Tour de France" cadence is?
@fyneyoungstunna 3 жыл бұрын
I ride 16/53...I started with 16/48 but spun out easily. I rode gravel and road with the same bike. (I switch to SS over fixed, for safety) I heard all the *anecdotal stuff about big gears. The only thing that held true was (at first) it was an extreme workout. Once you get used to it though...you can hold your own or surpass most geared bikes. I'm a hill climber. I had to learn to mash out of saddle and carry momentum.
@stereosystem 3 жыл бұрын
Aaaannd I just ordered a 15 tooth cog. I've been wanting to make the move from a 47 to 49 chainring, but waiting for new AARN stock was just making me sad. Can't wait for new ratio day!
@Fixedgearluv 2 жыл бұрын
I'm riding 49:15 and it's nice, But I think 50:16 or 52:17 would be nicer.
@Theaxemandaily 9 ай бұрын
When I first started riding fixed (10 years ago in Berlin), I started with the classic 16/46 ratio. Is was ok to get used to traffic and building up leg strength. Within a year I switched to 13/50. Pretty big difference. I had more speed, but les control. And even with a howl year of riding fixed, it really started to hurt my knees. Skidding was near impossible. My “brakes” literally became left/right or straight. Riding between traffic was very risky but very fun. One beautiful day the cops pulled me over for my “reckless riding” and noticed that I didn’t have brakes. In Germany you are required to ride with brakes (at least one). So I bought one (front wheel). This turned out to helped me cheat a skid, so, I decided to combine front wheel brakes with the skid. I know…laws 🥱🙄 My “advice”. Don’t beginn with a big ratio like 13/46 13/50. Lean to skid (both legs). Maybe bunny hops? Can help you dodge traffic on to the sidewalk if necessary. Start low, and build the necessary muscle. Just like when lifting weights 🤟 Thanks for the video 🤙
@anthonymohammed5014 2 жыл бұрын
Great info I've been riding 52 tooth by 12 tooth for more than 30 years and man I love it 700 25 c tires had front brake only never used it I'm from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean
@junokoh8489 2 жыл бұрын
Great job! You made a new record! ☺️ Glad you enjoyed the bigger ratio ☺️ I rode a 58-18 having 80% controls of the bike under any circumstances 👍🏻🤗
@doubled79446 3 жыл бұрын
Currently recovering from bike related knee injury. Thumbnail is hella relevant lol 😅
@reapanomin899 3 жыл бұрын
Just speaking outta personal experience(pls read all the way to the end before commenting) I live in a country where most of the terrain is flat,save some OK-ish and really steep slopes(when I mean steep,I'm talking about the kinda steep where it's a struggle to ride up said slopes on 48/17,depending on your climbing capabilities). The first ratio that I rode fixed on was 48:17(on a Liberty belonging to a friend o' mine).It's a ratio that to me,is kind of a 'fun ride ratio',given the little effort that's needed to bring it up to speed. Fast forward to my first fixed gear,and the ratio that came with it was 50:14.Back then,I found it spinny(given my past of grinding 50:12 on my roadie).In the end,I didn't have much of a choice but to switch up to a 58:14,because I wasn't able to maximise my speed and endurance on the 50:14.That said tho,I wouldn't mind switching back to 50:14 if even more hills popped up in my country. While climbing those scant slopes on 58:14 wasn't a problem,it simply wasn't as fun as flying up those same slopes on a lower ratio. As of today,I'm running 58:13 and I plan to drop my ratio a tad to something similar to 58:14 when the time comes(I'm contemplating to use 63:15,to make full use of the chainstay void that had been granted to me and to maximise the 'smoothness' of my gear).
@j.ballsdeep420 2 жыл бұрын
The knees are why I hated fixed and went freewheel. MCL & PCL replacement at 17 made my knee a bit more sketch so I don't push it. That said, I do like the idea of a bigger gear ratio on my freewheel, thus why I'm here
@bucharestcycling324 3 жыл бұрын
Personally I like big gear ratios. I also feel safer to come to a stop than from a high cadence. To increase gear ratio: I increased slowly, sprocket by sprocket from 18 to 13, than changing the chainring and starting again (2-3 weeks apart). I'm now using a 58/13 for city commuting/training. I like going at about 46km/h (29mph) without overspinning. My body likes 83rpm :) Indeed there is a problem with stopping. I use skip&stop, prevents the knee problems. I'm using the ratio for almost 3 years now with no problem. Starting from red lights and small hills are just a matter of training, your body will get used. I'm glad I saw this from you, didn't know about the hour record ratio, that's great info. I do feel better on 58/14, but I thought I didn't train so hard. People might want to know that Criterium riders (like for red hook) use 50/14 or 48/14. That's twists, corners, accelerations, breaks and they still get to 60km/h (37.5mph) in the straights.
@dxllee7 3 жыл бұрын
Over how long did you build up to that ratio? And what kind of training did you do? Just curious.
@bucharestcycling324 3 жыл бұрын
@@dxllee7 about 2 years, started at 48/17. I do about 30km a day with a fixed gear, with some intervals between traffic lights :). Also got a roller for winter so my training doesn't go down. Same: 30km a day, one day intense, one day easy. Went like this: 48/17 -> 14 ->13, to 52/13, 56/13 and finally to 58/13. Those are the gear ratios that needed most time to adjust to. And I ride it for fun, I like speed and the feeling of a fixed gear, feels more fluent in traffic, not actually training for a race :)
@dxllee7 3 жыл бұрын
@@bucharestcycling324 Wow! That’s some awesome advice. Appreciate you replying to my question. I’ve been trying to keep in mind to actually enjoy the ride and push myself each time I ride. Thank you again!
@Seeerton 3 жыл бұрын
my fixed gear i had a 52/15 gear ratio, then 49/16 for a couple years now i’m running 49/18 on my track bike and 42/18 on my tracklocross. i’m from sac too and ride in sf some times and love it for both. on both bikes.
@mrmoola3970 3 жыл бұрын
Bro the way you use the tree as your bike stand is fresh What's interesting to me is that in the 'car world' some people call bigger ratios small gears( I don't by the way). I think some people think this way because the engine spins slower with a larger ring and pinion size...hence bigger gears = slower crank turns. So I guess that is why they call em that. I myself sometimes even catch myself saying down shifting, which is definitely wrong...I guess?🤔
@AlienLivesMatter 2 жыл бұрын
Increased ratio is only useful after also finding a corresponding margin gain that can make use of it. For example: lighter rotating mass, increased leveraged or stronger rider. Also: freewheel > fixie
@tattoojosh1 2 жыл бұрын
I ride fixed and have for a decade plus. I have always had a 56/16 with back brakes. I ride from Folsom to downtown and mob it. I pass and drag race guys with gears on the bike trail allot more often than you would expect. I am however getting old now and will be switching to a 52
@obriaind 3 жыл бұрын
Makes a lot of sense that on a flat route around Sac, the big gear would be a lot faster. But yeah, for all the reasons you talk about, a 49x13 might be more fear than needed for every-day riding. Thing is, if you ride that big gear regularly, you might find that those climbs and starts and stops get easier as you get stronger. 46x16 on my SS is perfect for me. But my geared bike goes up to a 50x12 that only gets used down big hills.
@ujeans 3 жыл бұрын
biking around tokyo definitely notice the big ratios up the hills but it makes the flats and downhills so worth it B)
@dxllee7 3 жыл бұрын
Started cycling in February, 2021. Started on a geared bike and hated riding using the other gears except for 48/14. Then got hooked on single speed riding 46/16. Then switched and got addicted to fixed gear riding on 46/16. Kept going with it after watching Zach’s videos and cycling with my buddy. Switched out to 49/16. Then 49/14. 49/13. 53/13. 56/13. Currently on 56/12. Plan on going to 64/12. I ride anywhere from 4 to 7 times a week with at least 15 miles each ride and focus on legs and core in the gym. Given this is over months and daily riding. My buddy says it’s pretty gonzo. I’m aware of the health of my knees and hips and keep those in mind when riding. Thoughts?
@ben6089 Жыл бұрын
64 / 12 is insane
@gregvassilakos 3 жыл бұрын
I wasn't prepared to see Wallace as a drop-bar bike. I went back to look at some of your earlier videos. It seems that Wallace switched from a straight bar to a drop bar sometime in May.
@Pablopelotudestotal Жыл бұрын
I use my fixed gear bike to ride long distances every day, with a few traffic lights, so bigger gear ratios work for me, even knowing that I have some very high hills in that long travel make me feel less exhausted having not to spin alot.
@GigaDonk 3 жыл бұрын
i like riding a large gear aswell and a real game changer for me was put up a leg, and just stomp your heel down on the rear wheel. Sounds like something a little kid would do but it works excellent and will stop you super fast. i can not properly skid unless using a ultra pelvic thrust which is super unsafe. hope that helps someone.
@danspiritoso5945 3 жыл бұрын
This is why I use two track bikes. One with a 54/15 plus drop bars for long flat rides and another with a 50/16 plus risers for city riding and daily errands.
@jorgealexanderlooribarra2154 3 жыл бұрын
I live in a city with steep hills and I have 50/16. How does it work for you when climbing hills?
@coryreese4626 11 ай бұрын
48-17 seems to be the sweet spot for me. It uses a nice mix of cardio and strength, it has just enough spin for an enjoyable cadence (for me), I usually average around 17mph+/-, and it's easier to skid. I used to ride big ratios but not so much anymore.
@benbraceletspurple9108 Жыл бұрын
I recommend starting (for 700x28c) front 46 and rear 16, or thereabouts, and with hills you're gonna be at about the same since you have to go back down them, but if you have flat land, and good strength, and you start averaging 85 or higher rpm (90h100 rpm under load) then you can go down 1 tooth at a time on the wheel cog, and up 2 gears at a time with the chain ring. Worst case you can have a backup gear and change again. This change is also unlikely to need a new chain. Keep in mind torque for braking speed. In my opinion length of ride matters a lot. For 5-10 minute rides you can go all the way up to 58x11, and ball out at 38mph the whole way. But for 1h or more, definitely should be closer to 46x16 or so. But ball out with aero and weight reduction, especially at the same time.
@CouZer 2 жыл бұрын
I ride 52/14 and tried going down to 46/14, made me only more tired and I was def slower at times, I used it for a month and went back after that.
@keithchang8566 3 жыл бұрын
Great video and topic! I've recently increased my gear ratio too and I think there are other factors that are just as important apart from just the gear ratio. As a fixed rider, I'm also optimizing my bike around 1. My terrain, and average angle of elevation. 2. Use of brakes, with or without. With brakes, you are safer increasing gear ratio. 3. Position on bike. With a properly tuned aggressive position, you can generate enough power to start and stop on high ratios while keeping your knees spinning safely and injury free. I generally advice against emphasis on just 1 parameter, the entire bike AND the rider has to be properly tuned up. Its part of the zen fixie thing.. Just my 2cents!
@dxllee7 3 жыл бұрын
Agree with you on all three points. Especially number 3. Have to find the right position and modifying, changing, upgrading more than just the chainring and cog.
@colecoleman1499 Жыл бұрын
Started with 48 *14 and use to run out of gear . It was a 3 chainring cross bike. Switched to 1X 53 - 15 for speed runs.
@kimrice394 3 жыл бұрын
Every winter I end up with a 50x20. As summer comes along I, tooth by tooth, go to a 16. Every time I change by 1 tooth on the cog it’s like a bad day where you just don’t feel strong or fast but the numbers say otherwise.
@ianroberts5683 Жыл бұрын
i rode a 46/16 in college. Decent ratio for moderate top speed, with enough torque to climb hills with some effort. however, going on rides with gear bike dudes, its really difficult to keep up because id pedal 3 times for every one time they would pedal.
@fallenhobbit6554 3 жыл бұрын
BMXer here. Just found this channel. I would LOVE a reaction video of fixed gear guys riding a BMX with a freecoaster rear hub. Literally the bike can coast forwards and backgrounds with no pedal movement.
@noahhight7781 3 жыл бұрын
As someone who jumped from 39x16 on a cross bike to 48x15 on a track, i feel this one 🦿
@marlo916 2 жыл бұрын
Where is that mtb singletrack trail @ 7:51? I know this is Elk Grove area but what street?
@jkeiffer 3 жыл бұрын
Those shoes though... It would also be nice if you posted a follow up about how you felt the next day or few days after that effort. Like how was the knee? Do you think you could keep doing it all the time etc?
@jedsblz7124 3 жыл бұрын
almost 100k !! lesgo !!
@mattgunter2106 3 жыл бұрын
Cadence is keyyyyy. Once your legs figure out your comfort cadence the gear ratio matters less. I'm a masher though so low gear ratios make me slow. I tracklocross on a 51x17 ratio ( to be fair Florida hella flat and I'm afraid of advanced trails with big drops) in the windy bits I'm more than happy to churn butter through corners and love a good short intense climb. Riding style always varies as well as fitness so challenge yourself but recognize your gear and how it makes you feel.
@ChrisMFlorida 3 жыл бұрын
I like the green bike lanes.. wish we had that in my city..
@Aaosj 3 жыл бұрын
The knee issues are a real concern, I ride a 26' mtb and 42-11, and delivering food for 3-4 hours straight at good speed, sprinting very often when available, and while the first months my knee hurts, I did rest for days every now and then, and take some rides to focus on form (this smoking thc, ita good for my kinesthesic focus and awareness) and now i feel my knees stronger than ever, no more pain and I have discover a few techniques of pwdaling in order to allow different muscles to do the job while others rest, rotating the effort... I feel great, probably should do some medical test to reach a better and more truhful conclusion but it seems doable, at least for now, Ive been riding my bike for 2 years now. Sorry for my english, its bot my native tongue
@Aaosj 3 жыл бұрын
And im 34 years old, so no at my peak recovery/adaptation. Not encouraging anybody to do this but sharing my brief experience, I had knee tracking issues before getting on the bike and they have gone now. Who knows...
@6kudaniel347 3 жыл бұрын
What app do you use to record your ride?
@aldyanfaizal8588 2 жыл бұрын
I'm using 48x14 gear for a year and still struggling to stop 😂 but i found out jump skidding method really help big gear ratio fixie to stop 😜✨✨
@maximolotov 10 ай бұрын
spot on. ty
@P0lakP0wer 2 жыл бұрын
I like riding my single speed with a large 42T up front and a 22T in the back, in personal use it’s a more sustainable bmx sprint when just cruising
@owenspears6045 2 жыл бұрын
same here
@noverdelossantos1501 3 жыл бұрын
nice ride sir
@B.E.R.T. Жыл бұрын
My 60 tooth crankset is coming in tomorrow, I'm leaning towards a 13 tooth for the rear... but running it freewheel with a brake until I get used to it. Currently running a 49/16 brakeless. Just wanna give the big gear a try as an experiment. 60/13 seem workable? I'm open to other suggestions for the rear cog. These will be going on my aventon Mataro frame set BTW
@lomi1167 3 жыл бұрын
Hey zach, i hope you can see this. Any recommendations for a drop bar single speed brake lever? And where to get it?
@sebastiankockelkorn9674 3 жыл бұрын
I went from 46-16 to 48-13 and i gotta say that the difference was insane, had some issues in the beginning but after a couple rides i noticed a significant difference in average speed, i want from 15.9 to 21 on my daily commute (14miles with some hills) Als now i have the legs to even climb a 6% average with this gear ratio
@colecoleman1499 Жыл бұрын
Ull be better off with 50 by 15. 13 cog is creating a lot of friction and destroying your chain and even more potential
@sebastiankockelkorn9674 Жыл бұрын
@@colecoleman1499 yup, I've switched to 56t-15t as of now
@colecoleman1499 Жыл бұрын
@@sebastiankockelkorn9674 56 jump straight from 48. Did you experiment with 52 or 54? Do you ride for time trials only? I transitioned to a complete sprint style cycling. I don't max out for more than 2 Kms. 56 chainring wouldnt suit my style of cycling as need lot of acceleration to beat best time for short distance. I currently have 53 thinking' between 52 or 54. What would be your recommendation? And how long it took you to get use to 56 chainring please?
@colecoleman1499 Жыл бұрын
@@sebastiankockelkorn9674 you live in Belgium. I think I found you on Strava
@maxkrug2000 3 жыл бұрын
When did you switch to 32c tires, how do you like it?
@DiogenesOG 2 жыл бұрын
I started riding fixed almost 40 years ago and generally ~75 GI with a 165mm crank has been the best compromise year round in all weather conditions allowing me to avg 18 mph on a 50 mile ride, even as an old fart. spinning=winning
@eduardobenassi3072 2 жыл бұрын
I've been working as a delivery since the pandemic started and the perfect ratio for me is 48/13. I also installed a rear brake because riding for 5 hours with just straps is dumb.
@vegaplus420 2 жыл бұрын
lol i ride brakeless just so i can say I can and i gotta say i love it. i ride a 48/17 tho and it feels pretty slow, im probably gonna try your ratio
@zensenpai6669 2 жыл бұрын
I like to run a 42/14 and that has got me to an average speed of 17mph. I run that ratio because it's very well balanced in terms of top speed and acceleration.
@mynineridesshotgun 2 жыл бұрын
This is what I ride. Feels comfortable enough to to cruise and I can get it moving when needed.
@miz47 3 жыл бұрын
What about changing from 44×14 to a 48×14.. About to change my crankset in the near future and wanting to know how you guys think about it
@andrewcotton8564 3 жыл бұрын
When I first started out my gear ratio was 5315 only because bicycle shops do not carry big chainrings in Tampa Florida had to settle for a 52 now what the original plan was was to run 5314 but I got tired of searching bike shop after bike shop so I settled for a 52 but I'm also 6-3 in height and also 255 pounds and I love I run it just fine
@dannym4717 Жыл бұрын
If I want to wheelie and I have trouble raising the front wheel should I get a chainring with less teeth or a cog with more teeth ?(I’m on a budget)
@brycereyes2383 Жыл бұрын
Hey Zach! I just went from 49/17 to 49/15 and I feel like I had to start over with learning how to skid again. Any tips?
@Aubreykun 3 жыл бұрын
At 7:00 Zach complains about knee pain and shows his pedal stroke. His left knee (the one he complained about) is pointed INWARDS while his right knee is outwards, and both are going in a circle. This means Zach's fit is messed up and he would get this knee damage eventually.
@psychoaiko666 3 жыл бұрын
Could be a change in posture in an (ill-fated) attempt to relieve some of the pain. It's stupid, but it's a natural response. Should've gone for clipless, cages and straps allow for way to much lateral joint movement.
@Aubreykun 3 жыл бұрын
@@psychoaiko666 From what I read, it could be his shoes (lack of support from too-soft shoes), how toed in/out his feet are, or if his hips are too narrow or wide for the q-factor he's using. These are all related but subtly different. He's already decided he doesn't like cleats as much as toe clips (and to be fair I don't personally like them either) but they are the fastest way to bandaid the first two problems if adjusted properly.
@miaaaww_9 3 жыл бұрын
Im amateur at a fixed gear and slightly beginner my ratio is 48 - 14 in first my legs sores fast but i keep on practicing now my legs do not get sore now hehe
@urielresendiz1672 3 жыл бұрын
ride more.
@miaaaww_9 3 жыл бұрын
@@urielresendiz1672 you too bro and ride safe
@abdulharis9390 2 жыл бұрын
Zach.I am a newbie in this hobby.I would like to know the best gear ratio for my bike.For your information,in my area there are flat and hilly terrains.Thanks.
@dreamybullxxx3766 Жыл бұрын
Try 48x18 in my area we have flay and hilly terrains too
@endymion2300 Жыл бұрын
i ran 102 and 106 gear inches for years, and definitely cruised way faster than my 70 gear inch days. i'm a bigger rider however (i'm built like a linebacker), and spinning at 120rpm wasn't gonna happen for too long. but even with my huge gear ratios, i can get around like 98% of oakland just fine. i do mostly okay in sf as long as i'm riding alone, but the speed at which i climb hills makes group rides difficult. once i get stuck behind someone climbing with a lower ratio, i just have to get off and walk, lol. at first, the larger ratios were much more difficult, but the extra time it takes for every revolution makes it easier to fire off my muscles more efficiently. so i'll get tired slower over a long ride with a high ratio, vs lower. i do ride with a brake though. skidding makes my knee hurt and slowing down in an emergency takes waaaaay too long.
@BanacaNation 3 жыл бұрын
I ride a 46/16 around a 25-30 mile loop with about a 1000ft of elevation and average 17-19mph depending on weather and wind. I don’t think your ratio is doing you any favors if you are going 15-16 mph on such high ratios. Should be going 20+ with a good cadence of 80-105 rpm
@sharetheroads 3 жыл бұрын
what is the best gear ratio for climbing moderate to steep hills (above 10%) etc... 44/?
@giopogi5950 3 жыл бұрын
depends on your cadence
@jaycee9657 3 жыл бұрын
depends on how much you like your knees and walking in later life
@SamuelBlackMetalRider 3 жыл бұрын
I ride hard on flat with 51x13, pure speed no traffic light, on a closed loop, with a peloton. Commuting is either 48x17 or even 46x18 on the Winter beater. 48x13 is totally not suitable for urban riding. 48x17 is definitely the gold standard for busy city riding such as Paris.
@tipsyspirit8553 2 жыл бұрын
Ive got a 52/13 gear ratio on a 30kg old MTB, no front derailleur so I choose the fastest one, and I live in a province with a lot of uphills, it's hard on the knee, but trust me, it's all worth it, after almost a year of cycling, I get past hills really fast without changing gears✊
@junreaksaa Жыл бұрын
46:20 is my tooth combo. My bike commute is 50 flat ang 50 hills. And i cant bomb downhill bc of traffic. So, spinning to win is for me.
@JoshuaPerez-py2kw 2 жыл бұрын
Does anyone know a thinner bike frame brand
@aquatwooplays4245 3 жыл бұрын
how i cycle a fixed with a heavy ratio 48:13 uphill is go up an angle and get on your drops then lean foward and sprint up
@tbz1551 3 жыл бұрын
If you’re sprinting up, that’s not a real hill.
@UenoLocker54 3 жыл бұрын
Zach is gonna go hulk his legs out now.
@user-ys6hl1uy1t 3 жыл бұрын
Only depends on RPM, there are “roll out” charts online that tell you how far you travel with one revolution of the crank. Someone with 106 rpm and 54x13 is going farther and faster than 106rpm and 54x23, period. It really is moot point, 99% of bike buyers cannot turn 54x11@90rpm, hence compact chainrings. If you want to go faster lose 50 lbs!
@emvce5782 3 жыл бұрын
48/14 is fine for me but sometime kill my legs
@wakeawaken430 3 жыл бұрын
Now, after i saw the video Your ride was pretty flat without stops, no surprise that in those conditions a high gear ratio is faster In city conditions with hills, even small hills, high gear ratio is useless and no fan to ride Second, who is in hurry? We are talking about having fan with our bikes, who cares about Strava times? We are not roadies, we are fixed riders
@bruhification 3 жыл бұрын
Going fast is fun tho
@wakeawaken430 3 жыл бұрын
@@bruhification it is fun if you can go for all the ride, not only for a 300m decent and for all the ride you struggle with 20rpm cadence, and when you finish you are dead tired and you want to throw your bike in the trash With high cadence you are more effective for higher average speed and you keep your legs relax for bigger rides Off course if your ride is the king of flats, higher gear is better, if your are not going to stop and start all the time
@wakeawaken430 3 жыл бұрын
@Bebo yeah hahaha, gearinchemeter counts 😂
@robertmyers5269 3 жыл бұрын
Zach does it so we don't have to. 15% gear increase and brakeless! I'm not sure that that was the smartest idea. Ok, I just did a little math. Your 49x15 at 15.5mph average gives an average cadence of right around 60rpm, hardly spinning as it is. 16.9 with the big gear gives around 55. How about next week try a larger rear sprocket and see what spinning gets you?
@MattSezer 3 жыл бұрын
The problem is he isn’t going all out or measuring the power that he’s putting out, so he’d just go easy with the smaller ratio and say that it’s slower.
@sonymicronin 3 жыл бұрын
Yoo, I've been waiting for you to upload! I have a question? My fixed gear bike doesn't have any bolts for attaching a bottle cage. I was wondering what the best way to attach a cage would be?
@stinkyfinn6977 3 жыл бұрын
Seat mount, probly get some aero gains too
@sonymicronin 3 жыл бұрын
@@stinkyfinn6977 Nice, I'll look into some seat mounts. How would I get aero gains? Also you you're not referring to a seatpost mount right? Because my Seatpost is just a little low and i have a light attached to it.
@stinkyfinn6977 3 жыл бұрын
@@sonymicronin you welcome , yes you can get them mounting on your seat and post, I've recently been looking at one that will hold a bottle Etheir side and another or a light in the middle, mounting the bottles behind your rear may give you a aero gain as that would all be turbulent air anyway, mounting them on your frame in most cases will make the front profile wider which will cause some drag , so it's more a case of not causing anymore drag on the front rather then gaining speed if u use a seat mount if you understand what I mean?
@sonymicronin 3 жыл бұрын
@@stinkyfinn6977 I definitely see what your saying and it makes sense. I'll also look into the side mount. Thank you!
@stinkyfinn6977 3 жыл бұрын
@@sonymicronin good I'm glad someone do😀 I will put a link hear as to the sort of mount I'm on about but shop around as you can get them a cheaper than this one www.amazon.co.uk/Cycling-Triathlon-TRISEVEN-Bottles-Cartridge/dp/B078H93S89
@WesternUranus 2 жыл бұрын
"Spin to win" is only true in two cases: -Fast acceleration is needed and speeds below 30mph/50kph are needed to win -Resistance to overcome is high: heavy load/rider, headwind, steep climbing For all other cases, gear ratios above 80 are more efficient and faster, the power output falling dramatically above 120rpm. Above this cadence, one is essentially moving their legs more than pushing the bike forward. Hence why track cyclist only ever reach cadences of 200+ on rollers where resistance is minimal (low power generation needed) and why they only ever use ratios lower than 90 in points or elimination races (air resistance decreased by group riding, fast acceleration needed for short bursts). Besides this saying pretty much only goes for roadies when climbing, you don't see them spinning out on descents
@kylehagertybanana 2 жыл бұрын
how do you deal with sweat? it seems like you commute on bike and I cant do that unless I want to show up wet
@brooklynboyzfixedgearpov9867 3 жыл бұрын
That’s exactly how I feel!
@esleep4496 Ай бұрын
what is the best ratio for city riding with little hills and stuff|?
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