Singlespeed Conversion: Gear Ratios

In this video you’ll find the installation of ZTTO singlespeed conversion kit on 2014 Devinci Chuck S and also the gear ratios that suit you the best.
The singlespeed conversion kit comes with the chain tensioner, spacers, singlespeed cog, end ring and lock ring.
When you convert your bike to singlespeed, gear ratios play a big role in the game. Since there is only one speed, you need to find out the best gear ratio for your riding.
Lower ratio gives you easy pedaling and faster acceleration at low speed, it’s great for up hill and park riding. Higher ratio makes pedaling harder going up hill but will get you higher top speed with less crank spinning, it’s great for long distance and downhill riding.
2:1 is standard ratio.
The setup of this bike is 32/17, 32 teeth on the front and 17 teeth on the back, which gives a ratio of 1.88:1.
Let’s see how this gear ratio performs on flat road and uphill riding.
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[@anhb4203]

You should have mentioned that gear ratio is also dependent on your preferred tire size. A 32x16 may work well on a 26er all-around mtb but is harder to pedal on an equivalent 29er. A 32x18 may be a better option for the latter. Consider gear inches for this.

[@jrzy_jackk]

Ok thank you I want to run a 32x16 on my 29er because my 32x18 pedals to fast want harder pedaling

[@anhb4203]

I was running 32x16 with knobby tires on my 26er when I did most rides offroad with a lots of climbs. But currently I'm running it 34x16 since rides are mostly paved roads with minimal offroad.

[@hc661]

@@anhb4203 what gear ratio should i opt for if i have a 29er tire and a 34t crank

[@budget.diyguy.australia]

Good JOB MATE!!! Fiiinally.. someone who posts a good clear vid, straight to the point, and not obsessed with their fking face on camera with their precious RING LIGHT lol. 10/10 Mate!

[@ridingmtl]

Thanks very nice video well made. I'm running 32*13 right now cause I'm waiting for the tensioner as soon as it's in I'm back on the 17 for sure. I climbed Atwater at 23 mph the other day in that 32*17 configuration. I use a 1500w mid drive to do that. Acceleration are awesome on the 17 versus the 13.

[@honglsk]

good~ I think if you'd mentioned about the wheel sizes and gear ratio together, It would be perfect~

[@londonpickering8675]

Oddly satisfying. Thanks for posting.

[@3739blog]

Hello nice video I’d like to ask what chain were you using… are you using a single speed specific chain or the existing chain that you have from your mountain bike? thanks… I am also in the process of building a single speed bike as well with 32/16 gear ratio. Your reply would be highly appreciated!

[@DanyoSports]

Hi, I’m using a new 8 speed chain, I didn’t reuse the old chain.

[@3739blog]

@@DanyoSports Thanks for the input..

[@jhardliegeronimo1383]

Is the purple part in cog is removable? I'm planning to buy, I need a bolt type cog for my fixed gear.

[@DanyoSports]

Yes, the purple part is removable.

[@jhardliegeronimo1383]

Thankyou so much, I appreciate your time to reply.

[@ianguignet757]

your videos are awesome I'm learning a lot thanks

[@agungsukariman]

you're inspire me alot ... thanks for this video!!

[@kasetfesat9972]

I have a full suspensionm bike that I want to convert to single speed. Is that chain tensioner up to the task for fs bikes ? Will it cause any problems ? Or should i go with another kind of tensioner like double pulley ones, what do you think ?

[@DanyoSports]

This chain tensioner is great and it will fit perfectly on your full suspension bike.

[@JoshuaJonROcana]

is 32t crank and 12t sproket good for city biking? I currently have 32t and 16t sproket im planning to buy 12t sproket

[@happycowfromcali]

I live in L.A and currently trying to convert a Mongoose ICOMP mtb from the 90s to single-speed freewheel. Recommendations on the gear? I am a pretty solid rider nothing crazy or anything I like speed but don't want to tear my leg muscles either. Something smooth that can give me a comfy speed and allows me to climb easy hills around the city of L.A. I can always walk up any major hill but I can ride up a reasonable climb.

[@SoulAmazing92]

Did you ever find out your gearing ?

[@arlomacdonald7152]

Hello, I've got a 29er hardtail I'd like to convert, I like very techy trails and I've got a 34T up front, what would you recommend on the back? Ace video man.

[@DanyoSports]

Hi, I think 17t or 16t would be good, you want a gear ratio of 2:1. I suggest you to ride on the trails with these cogs for a couple of miles and then decide whether or not to go with that gear ratio.

[@ceec2999]

32/16 on my build can you go fast on the road?

[@chrisko6439]

No. At a cadence of 90rpm, you'll only go 23kph/14mph. For the road, riders usually use 42/16. I got 36/14 + 32/18 - dinglespeed ;-) Check this out: bikecalc-staging.herokuapp.com/speed_at_cadence

[@ceec2999]

@@chrisko6439 thanks

[@Blake4216]

Beautiful vid

[@TnGawiL]

does it have to be fixed gear? And if the 52T/16T ratio is comfortable to wear and can use a tensioner?

[@ehsansiam3123]

I use 21 speed mtb for commuting but has to climb up on flyovers and steep pavements sometimes. Would it be a good idea to go single speed for low maintenance?

[@DanyoSports]

Choose a gear and keep riding it for a couple of days, if it’s too easy or hard, choose another gear and ride again for a couple of days, you’ll find your gear ratio and also whether you should stay with singlespeed or not.

[@ehsansiam3123]

@@DanyoSports That's a great idea. Thank man.

[@bautistaalegre3517]

hi, watch chain is this? i have a deckas narrow wide, and i don t know what chain buy

[@bongskie0209]

Nice video... i have a single speed mtb gear ratio is 17t cogs with tensioner and 32t chainring, when hard pedaling in climbs my chain slips... im using my existing chain ( 10 speed chain ) is this the cause of the chain slip? What is the solution to stop the chain slip? Will i buy a new chain? TIA ride safe

[@raw_si_siht]

Yes, definitely need a new chain.

[@Paul-qs1li]

Great content

[@Borna_tomic14]

Where you buy this single speed complet?

[@JaimeSilva]

I have a 32/16 with a loose chain(removing 1 link won't close). Does anyone know if I change to 18 will it make a significant difference in the chain tension? or will it even work with the same chain length? I'm trying to avoid a chain tensioner, and the 18t would also be convinient for my hills.

[@fushimatsuno250]

What will be suitable for a 38chainring 🥺

[@666_Media]

Does it fit on any bike

[@DanyoSports]

Yes, any bike with derailleur hanger.

[@crammynoodles9545]

Hello, i have a question about the cog, do you thinkg the violet thing in the cog can be remove?

[@DanyoSports]

Hi, yes, the spacer and cog can be separated with the bolts removed. The pulley is also removable, check out this video: Singlespeed Tensioner: Noisy Pulley? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ29i2lsmrSem9k

[@Stnlyschb]

Is it okay with out the tensioner when going on trails?

[@OvelNick]

I realize you asked 6 months ago but just incase... I wouldn't unless you have a "half link" chain that lets you fine tune the length of the chain. At best it'll annoy the hell out of you when the chain keeps jumping off and at worst it jumps off when you really need it and it causes you to crash. Now your bike is FUBAR and you've gotten a couple broken bones.

[@bernardjameswilson]

will that work on a centerlock shimano hub?

[@Zleephralysis]

I already converted my geared mtb into single speed, just wondering if it's normal that the tensioner is noisy and tends to produce a slightly squeeking sound?

[@DanyoSports]

Yes, it is noisy and that’s the downside of using a tensioner.

[@PLAHI]

How to determine chain length with SS and tensioner? Skip the tensioner and then add four links as with 1x setups?

[@DanyoSports]

Yes, you can try that, as long as it has about 1cm of play up and down, that would do it.

[@thanhlamho4646]

Thanks for share. I like it.

[@Juos10kustu]

my chain is jumping on the rear chainring when pedalling harder. you have the same problem ? fresh chain.

[@DanyoSports]

Check the chain tension and the position of the tensioner, it might be not tight enough or the tensioner is off.

[@jefflilyea4669]

700x25c on my fixed gear. 46/19

[@chair8540]

dont need the tensioner ,chain turned out to be just the right length. use a 13 on the rear and 44 on front, its an Ebike

[@sharifulalam4580]

Nice

[@rchu7320]

Hi, I already have that kind of tensioner, just want to ask if is it normal that there is a sound while pedalling? It is properly alligned. Thank you

[@DanyoSports]

Hi, yes, that’s normal, the sound is from the metal pulley.

[@rchu7320]

@@DanyoSports thank you for that :) btw I am currently using 18t x 36t chainring setup for my fat bike :)

[@DanyoSports]

Nice, have fun with it.

[@sir_jerhyn]

I want something fast and easy in the terms of gearing, I just got this beautiful GT Pantera that I want to convert so badly to single-speed because I hate shifting and gears. What do you recommend? I have a 36T for the chainring.

[@DanyoSports]

Start with the 18T cog and ride it for a couple of days, if you find it too easy or hard, switch to another cog and ride it again for a couple of days, this would give you an idea of the cog size that is more suitable for you.

[@sir_jerhyn]

@@DanyoSports 17T or 16T would be better, now I ride fixie.. i'll put straps to mash!

[@jhonreinanmatining4330]

Can I know what chain did you use? I'm planning to convert my mtb to single speed, Can I use 9 speed chain on it? Thank you

[@DanyoSports]

Yes, I’m using a 8/9 speed chain, you just need to shorten it to the right length.

[@jhonreinanmatining4330]

@@DanyoSports oh nice ,thanks for the info

[@mottonyot8505]

What type of chain you're using?

[@DanyoSports]

I’m using 1-speed chain, the brand is KMC.

[@iamjamestheiv]

Do you have the link for that front chainring you have?

[@DanyoSports]

These are the chainrings: www.blackspire.com/product-category/chainrings/

[@DaoistKarlito]

I saw this video btw... Just asking can i use any speed of chain?

[@DanyoSports]

I’ve used SS, 8, 9 and 10 speed chains and they are all good.

[@DaoistKarlito]

@@DanyoSports thank you very much

[@rodelworks]

I have this kind of set up

[@DanielAlcon]

Is a 32T in front and a 13t on back good for trails on mountain bike?

[@DanyoSports]

It would be harder on uphill riding, try 16t on back, use your current cassette and ride for a couple of days and see if you like it or not.

[@chrisko6439]

@@DanyoSports 2:1 sucks ass when riding TO the trails ;-)

[@marcush373]

Would a 21t on the back and 32t on the front would be good

[@DanyoSports]

The gear ratio is 1.52, the pedaling would be easy and faster at low speed, it’s great for park and uphill riding.

[@riezcastro]

Can i turn it into fixed gear using the same hub?

[@DanyoSports]

No, you can’t, you need to change the hub to turn it into fixed gear. Try to get a flip-flop hub/wheel, you can switch between fixie and freewheel at anytime by flipping the wheel.

[@riezcastro]

@@DanyoSports i was wondering if the cog can be installed on disc brake side so that it can be a fixed gear.

[@riezcastro]

But of course, the disc rotor will be unused.

[@DanyoSports]

It’s possible, you’ll have to drill 6 holes on the cog, let me know if you get it to work,.

[@heroziolkowskimendoza9800]

so, if i run a 34 chainring with 16 sprocket, it's optimal enough for road and uphill?

[@DanyoSports]

34/16 gives a gear ratio of 2.12 and it’s a little more on the road side. Try this setup with your current cassette for a couple of days and see if you like it or not.

[@chrisko6439]

Try dinglespeed. Two chainrings and two cogs. I run 36/14 and 32/18.

[@Wh05LEE]

What setup will you need if you want go off road trials ect

[@A90L..]

@@chrisko6439 i have a 48/18 gear ratio, do u run that with a chain tensioner cuz i dont

[@chrisko6439]

@@A90L.. No chain tensioner, because I don't like it. Problem is, the bike has vertical dropouts. I solved the problem by using BMX cogs, they have very long teeth, so the chain won't skip. Also, I have to wear the chain a little by using it on another bike first, because a new chain won't fit on 36/14. ;-) When it starts to skip, I just change it, it will wear down then chainring anway if used for too long. You might wanna consult Sheldon Brown on this topic. An article about extending chain and sprocket life: www.sheldonbrown.com/chain-life.html Since I can't tension the chain because I got vertical dropouts, this article isn't of much use for me, but it might be for you :-)

[@reikun7921]

hi what chain do you use

[@DanyoSports]

Hi I’m using a 8-speed chain.

[@khoaphan1694]

Can we use this for 7 Speeds HUB ??

[@DanyoSports]

You need a freehub to fit this.

[@dannydnice1]

Where can I find that conversion kit?

[@DanyoSports]

Check out Aliexpress and Amazon.

[@krkSagapsap]

bro can you help me in my 20t single speed cog and 34t chainring i dont have tentioner

[@DanyoSports]

Use this method: How to: SINGLESPEED Vertical Dropouts With No Tensioner kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHKWfYeFg9RqasU

[@Makarovisky999]

36/14= 2.57:1 (Perfect)

[@Cryptosporidium-zu2sc]

Would this be a good ratio for normal flat road riding and good resistance for workout on hills? I want my mountain bike to feel like my bmx did just normal pressure all around and harder going up hills for that extra workout.

[@toastly604]

Is a 30t x 12t gear ratio good for wheelies?

[@DanyoSports]

No, the gear ratio for that setup is 2.5, I would get something from 1.8 to 2.0 for wheelies.

[@MechEagle]

I had 30t x 14t and was pretty hard doing wheelies i had to go around 20-25kmh to be able raise the nose after breaking in wheelie !

[@tintoystinks5067]

Can I use any 48t Crankset from a Fixed Gear Bike?

[@DanyoSports]

Yes, it should work.

[@tintoystinks5067]

@@DanyoSports OK sir thanks.

[@beboo_o1125]

It went together easily in less than an hour. kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Make sure the front fork is forward or the pedals will hit the front tire. Tires are both a little soft so it needs air before I ride it. The rear wheel didn't come with a clamp regular bolts hold it on. The front had the clamp. No scratches out of box. Rims are a little off with a slight wobble. They could have spent more time with the spoke tool fixing the run out. So far out of the box I'm happy with it. I did replace the pedals with a nice aftermarket set. After riding it a bit my A$$ is a bit sore so I ordered another seat. Overall I'm nearly 60 and didn't ride a bike in 30 years. I like my new 29" Schwinn. It will be used for casual rides with my friend.

[@carlmarcelo9195]

Can i use any hub in a single speed

[@DanyoSports]

Yes, any freehubs would fit.

[@andrisvelmeris]

How strong is the tension on the chain?

[@DanyoSports]

It’s very strong that I haven’t dropped the chain for a single time.

[@pedro_Dh...]

9v?

[@randommusic5530]

is the hub a casette?

[@DanyoSports]

Yes, it’s a freehub.

[@gamerxmain4157]

I just ordered a Single Speed cog like this one and it isn't arriving yet my Front Gear on the Pedal is 28T while I order is 16T do you think is it fair enough? I still have a 32 Chain ring but 28T Chain ring the question is can it help me to go up into a Steep Hill?

[@DanyoSports]

Yes, 28T would be easier for uphill climbing, what I would do is to keep riding with the 28T for a couple of days (use your current cassette with the 16T cog) and then switch it to 32T to see the differences.

[@gamerxmain4157]

@@DanyoSports Oh Wow Thanks for the response last question can it be fit on my 9 speed cassette type hubs? because I feel worried what if it did not fit and I will buy a new hub just for single speed cogs?

[@DanyoSports]

Yes, the kit fits on 8,9 and 10 speed hubs with the right amount of spacers inserted.

[@gamerxmain4157]

@@DanyoSports Oh thanks now theres nothing for me to be worried about thanks imma subscribe in return thank you :>

[@ObtuseAcute1]

Bro wheres the link 😂

[@Le_Papa]

I use a 36t/16t it’s pretty quick lol

[@JoshuaJonROcana]

is 32t/12t good?

[@Le_Papa]

@@JoshuaJonROcana in my opinion no its more of going quick i run 32 front 15t rear now

[@Le_Papa]

@@JoshuaJonROcana but if ur just tryna go quick or bike around the city yes

[@Le_Papa]

@@JoshuaJonROcana it will be hard to pedal a bit but u will go quick

[@JoshuaJonROcana]

@@Le_Papa thx man, but I'm currently running on 32t/16t

[@spandogg5051]

this needs a cassette hubs right?

[@DanyoSports]

Yes, it needs a freehub.

[@spandogg5051]

@@DanyoSports thanks!

[@jonienglish3231]

what is the Tire Size ? 26er Danyo

[@DanyoSports]

Yes, the tires are 26” x 2.5”.

[@jrzy_jackk]

If I run a 32t chainring what sprocket size should I get

[@DanyoSports]

It really depends on how you want it, I would go for 16t sprocket for road and mountain riding.

[@jrzy_jackk]

@@DanyoSports I do wheelies and liek to ride fast and the gear is to low

[@jrzy_jackk]

I wanted it to feel like a se racing big ripper gear ratio witch I’m pretty sure is 32x16

[@DanyoSports]

Yes, try that and you should be good.

[@jrzy_jackk]

@@DanyoSports ok thx

[@ninetailsnet]

1.94 is my gear ratio 31/16

[@glendapadiera492]

What is the best for all around like , long rides with uphill ?

[@DanyoSports]

2:1 is considered a standard ratio for all around riding.

[@hulkster4374]

@@DanyoSports is a 26/9 ratio have more torque then a 25/10?

[@jayjohnson007]

The chain tensioner is noisy

[@DanyoSports]

That’s correct. Singlespeed Tensioner: Noisy Pulley? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ29i2lsmrSem9k

[@jayjohnson007]

@@DanyoSports i bought one and reducing the spring tension right off made it quieter also properly alignment of the derailleur hangar made a difference....i also found that it twisted from the pressure of the spring so i used a washer in between the tensioner and the bolt head to try and reduce the twisting...really its not well made....but is do able...i used a 10 speed chain...but maybe a wider chain like 7 or 8 speed would help reduce noise....

[@DanyoSports]

Good to know, thanks for sharing your experience with the tensioner.

[@marcusmartin5758]

Problem with this set up is you'll be slow on flat road.

[@David-np4vo]

30t/18t 27.5 × 2.5

[@TotoTortoiseNFriends]

too soft

[@corecore1219]

i want my single speed fixie balanced,I mean can comfortably used for moderate uphills and on city riding what gear ratio can you suggest to me?thanks

[@DanyoSports]

Gear ratios from 2.2 to 2.4 should be good for uphill and city riding.

[@corecore1219]

@@DanyoSports thank you so much bro that really helps

[@ThESicKdiStuRbED]

Is this compatible for replacing a shimano cassette?

[@DanyoSports]

Yes, it’s compatible with all the freehubs.

[@Zleephralysis]

Is the single speed sprocket replaceable?

[@DanyoSports]

Yes, it’s replaceable.

[@Zleephralysis]

@@DanyoSports thank you! Btw, I've managed to complete my ss and my gear ration is 36x17/2.12.

[@khoibui4749]

what did you do with the tensioner, i want to know

[@DanyoSports]

I followed the instructions and installed it.

[@homermagdalan5914]

CAN I USE 11 speed chain?

[@DanyoSports]

Yes, it should work.