What Is The Best Fixed Gear Ratio?

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[@vinnowater]

47-17 is such a great all rounder. I live up a hill but most of my riding happens on flat-ish, sometimes hilly but smaller gradients. I’ve had all kinds of ratios but this one certainly hits a sweetspot. I really don’t mind the higher rpms I have to endure while descending. I rather spin fast than grind up hills. I like 49-17 too but it makes me sweat too much when getting back from work.

[@paulbogle8161]

Me too bro, prime numbers are the way to go too

[@FractalZero]

you still running 47/17? i'm thinking about moving up to 49/17

[@crit3937]

please more fixed gear contents ❤️❤️‍🔥

[@DaveNoakes]

Sure thing!

[@ChesterBin]

48-14 feels so smooth and fast. Uphills up to 8% are rushable.

[@DaveNoakes]

Fast gearing!

[@mikemann2692]

I was doing 50:17 Last summer I was tired going anywhere, I gear down to 49:17 now 48:17 is pretty chill. I need a bike fit 🥲

[@hungryangmo9964]

In my country singapore, the hills are not that steep so I ride a 50/15 and its a very good ratio for me to constant and to climb as well

[@adrianfumi]

I certainly miss your fixie videos! But I love them all! You were responsible for me using mine as a road bike! Great video mate! I loved it!

[@AidanStutzman]

Always switching up the gearing on different bikes for different rides and to switch up working on cadence and strength. normally run 44x18 or 46x19 on my TRCX bike with 35mm cross tires, which is definitely too spinny on faster descents as I max out my cadence at probably upwards of 175 barely scraping to 28ish mph. On my track bike ill normally run 49x16 or 51x16. 53x16 for longer/flatter rides or if I've got the clamp on aero extensions on. I've found 49x16 to be a perfectly suitable daily gear on a stiff, light bike. light enough to average over 20 in the flats without spinning out or pushing too hard and easy enough to sprint up shorter/punchier climbs and spinning out on a descent is normally between 33/38mph.

[@DaveNoakes]

Yes yes yes 👍🏼

[@raymondd.6449]

Excellent information and scenarios David ...SS for 5 years. Crossing to the Dark Side ...48x17...retired last May , i hope ican Hang !!! Born in Brampton ,Ontario...1954 .

[@DaveNoakes]

Ohhh welcome and enjoy!

[@sketchy0078]

You missed one vital point on gearing as well dude skid patches are massively important with regards to tyre wear. I ride 48 x 17 on my sprinter and 48 x 19 on my hill Climber. Bars video would be excellent btw ✌️

[@kevinlyon9501]

Never tried fixed gear, don't think my knees would thank me if I started now.🤣

[@juanpecan7089]

@ASSAULT ON ASPHALT I started in my late 30s. Fit and a ratio suitable to your strength/fitness are everything.

[@SimplicityForGood]

I got 42-17 … I am new to this world but biking around on it for a year now and am thinking to change the gear ratio and try something different! What do you suggest to give it a try?! 🤓🤔😎👍

[@ChrisLoew]

Check for flat spot ratios to avoid, but go for it

[@wakeawaken430]

I am using 46x19 for hilly Athens, starts and stop continuously, if not you are dead I can hold 25km/h all day, light hills I don't even feel them 46x18 is good also

[@crazywisdom2]

Currently I only have a Raleigh m80 mountain bike. I have all riding terrain here in Michigan. I love the fixie concept. but I think that a 3-7 speed is probably more my thing. Time will tell.

[@DaveNoakes]

3-7 is the perfect amount of gears!

[@simaskanapeckas5407]

I love your fixed gear videos man

[@DaveNoakes]

Thank you

[@MiguelAngelo896]

I just bought a nice bike but it feels kind of hard to pedal. It came with 48/15 ratio. It kind of feels hard to pedal. Any advice. I will really appreciate it.

[@DaveNoakes]

I’d try a smaller front chainring or larger back. A 48-18 or 48 -19 would be better if you’re finding your current gearing hard. If you size down the front chainring that also makes it easier.

[@nickerssan]

love your sofa, where is it from? 😂

[@DaveNoakes]

Think I found it on eBay.

[@idrismotilal709]

I ride 46/16 break less Need to change it up for more skid patches

[@DaveNoakes]

Same! 47-17 gives me a decent number I think 🤔

[@sigurd9143]

I run 48/16 For me it's the perfect All Round Ratio. I don't do Skids, so having only one skid patch doesn't bother me.

[@DaveNoakes]

Fair enough. As long as you’re riding and smiling

[@1RichieRich]

I'm in Devon to ,48-17 can do near enough most routes although you do sweat buckets going up some hills ,but it nice balanced ratio

[@SayyidbazilBazil]

i have a fixie and it wont pedal backwards😢

[@DaveNoakes]

I’ve heard that’s a common problem

[@timboha8191]

Used to run 48-18 here in Yorkshire but just switched to 48-17 because of the skid patches, seems about right for my hills. Also run a HG sprocket and hub so no more lock rings.

[@FixedundFertig]

The Halo Fix-G hub ? THAT was the reason I decided to buy THIS Hub ^^

[@timboha8191]

@@FixedundFertig Why, is it rubbish? Not had it long but not had any issues with it so far.

[@matmoriconi3197]

Hi! What about he relation with a 60 t plate?

[@e9x_nando432]

What kind of stem is that on your fix gear bike ?

[@gutierrezp49]

what kind of wheels are those?

[@DaveNoakes]

60mm stayer rims, dt Swiss track hubs, hand built goodness!

[@gutierrezp49]

@@DaveNoakes thank you for the reply! They look so good.

[@markjthomson]

48-15... Auckland is rolling hilly... similar to around Plymouth. I do prefer the flatter routes I can ride though. My fave loop has a bit of a combination but the flat sections a long.

[@xartie]

what’s the frameset called

[@bambicyclejerk952]

Im currently stripping down a bike to rebuild with different parts and sell but have been thinking of making it single speed before I rebuild it just to see what it's like living were I am. I think it will be horrible in the peak District though 😂😂😂

[@eleanorbox1954]

Nice! I just want to see you doing 700rpm now 😂.

[@DaveNoakes]

id like to hit 200...maybe 😂

[@berserkerfunestus]

Brakeless 53-15 here but my hometown is mostly flat.

[@garypostell5268]

Did you say no brakes?

[@idrismotilal709]

Yes bars

[@nbr1rodeoclown1]

Minneapolis, Flat, Urban, brakeless. 46/17

[@lxnyx8999]

Is it okey for ur to put 56 17?

[@firfesvlog]

56-17 Almost same ratio to 53-16

[@nastyspray]

46/16

[@DaveNoakes]

👌🏼

[@oefzdegoeggl]

I don't know why people always unscrew the sprocket when the wheel is off. This is stupid. I usually loosen the lockring while the wheel is still ON the bike. Then I move my rear wheel against a wall, stand on the pedals and give an inpulse backwards. A little bit is enough to loosen it already. Then I remove the wheel and unscrew lockring and sprocket by hand.

[@DaveNoakes]

There’s not enough room to get the lock ring off whilst the wheel is in the frame on my bike.

[@birchy9177]

Tracklocross 42-18 30/40 mile gravel rides

[@DaveNoakes]

👍🏼 nice!

[@JulioRamirez-fr4sc]

I just want to ride fast bro.

[@DaveNoakes]

Same

[@november5b882]

They need to make bike bikes with more room for upgrades 55-13 or something like this would be big enough

[@m.g.manuel3600]

just add special lock ring for 13 teeth cog

[@romelgonzales8444]

48:17 is the best 💯

[@jackcarpenters3759]

i am 45 yo and tried 44/16-17-18 and 16 perfect topspeed but couldn't ride slow, 17 perfect, 18 for girls :-)

[@SoloCarper]

I wanna know about the bars!!

[@DaveNoakes]

Cool, will definitely do that.

[@stuarthooper2258]

I ride a 48 x 18, good for riding in somerset,

[@DaveNoakes]

That’s a nice gear, I used that as a messenger for years.

[@sicsempertyrannis9024]

52/20 here

[@DaveNoakes]

Yes!

[@unclespliff_productions]

52/16 all day

[@anthonywalker007]

First love your videos

[@DaveNoakes]

Thank you 🥇

[@michaelmcsweeney3521]

I'm 67 and I ride my Giant Omnium track bike around the Wirral on a 50 14 ratio (I think that's about 90 inch) as well as the joy of riding a fixie there's the added fun in catching passing and dropping all those girls with gears

[@humanerror3139]

Nice one Dave. Yep I know the Sprocket Knuckle! Its pretty hilly here in SE Kent, I run a 48/17. Not too bad on the ups, I tend to attack the climbs hard and ease down the hills. I do run a front brake and Spuds. Theres nothing like riding fixed, personally I think it makes you a better and fitter rider. Everyone should try it and it's never too late, I'm 50 and still ride fixed no probs. Cycling is all about fun.

[@jiji1946]

75, hilly area, 48/16 ..... suits me! edit: my 50T ring arrived today... we'll give that a try....

[@sonymicronin]

I rode 47/17 at first but now I’m 47/16. And when I finally upgrade my chainring I’ll go for 48t for 48/16 for a perfect 3 ratio fit for both street and track.

[@lethic123]

@HumanError whats your cadence (rpm) for 48/17 setup? Also, whats the gradient of your uphill there in Kent? Im from Philippines btw.

[@cordcordero5772]

@@sonymicroninyou won’t be able to skid with 48 16 ratio it’s a 3.0

[@sonymicronin]

@@cordcordero5772 Running 50/17 right now and can skid with it it’s not that hard and that’s pretty close to a 3.0 ratio. Skidding has always been more about technique and timing than pure leg strength I’ve noticed

[@chilrl7425]

I ride a 52/15 at 94 gear inches.. i dont bother with leg day at the gym

[@DaveNoakes]

With that gearing you don’t need leg day 😂

[@steelisreal]

I’m in Glasgow, ride a 47x17 for pretty much everything from short lanes rides to 100+ miles with loads of climbing, just seems to work. I also ride 47x17 for most of my fixed gravel riding, but will swap it out for a 19 if needed. I have a front brake, mainly for club rides and other bunch stuff. You didn’t mention skid patches, but that’s why I only run a 47 or 49 at the front.

[@corrygatier9373]

Always up for more fixed gear content including bars! Enjoy the varied bike content!

[@DaveNoakes]

Cool, more to come

[@noahgoyette467]

48/15 for Durham NC in the states (lots of very long gradual uphills and long very gradual downhills but mostly flat), 46/17 for pulling dog and trailer on other fixed gear super easy for climbs (front brake equipped) bars are interesting, seems like nooone knows what they are doing with them.

[@witnessmoyo5584]

51 18 for courier work then 51 15 for outside work rides! Harder gear is good for building those muscles (speaking from experience. i might be wrong tho) ✌🏿 Love the videos man!!

[@ModifiedNmax]

I run 48/16 and my other fixed gear runs a 46/17 for climbing and has front brakes for descending so I can just feather the brakes and have a nice comfortable cadance on the eay down. The handle bars that I use for the 48/16 is a TT base bar with aero extentions and for the 46/17 I basically had it set up with wide risers.

[@boof76yt]

Commuter fixed gear running 50:18. Relatively flat commute here in Japan, but have to have brakes as the police are rather on top of brakeless fixies here. Have run 48:16 as it was a little harder, legs were stronger but it made headwinds really hard to deal with. Love my fixed gear.

[@jiji1946]

hello Craig... also in old nippon, also riding fixed. recently up from 46-16 to 48-16, and just bought a 50, which I will fit tomorrow. pretty hilly here (the Bōsō) but, upping the ring by 2T made me work harder (a good thing, as you say, stronger legs) but also felt somehow more efficient. and I could still get up the hills I could get up on the smaller gear, and still not get up those that i couldn't. lol. nice to be able to work harder/go faster n the flat(ish) bits.... a winner all round. I second your final sentence.

[@juanpecan7089]

Fixed gear videos smashing around LDN telling old stories would be dope!

[@pierrehenri2297]

Never had the opportunity to ride a fixed gear bike, would love to give it a try!! 👍🏻

[@josh3570]

I normally run 48-14 but as I’ve gained a lot of weight since I slipped a disc in my back, I’ve gone to a 48-20

[@mryotahead]

Finally more fixed gear videos!!! Want to see more !!! What pedals and toe cages are those ?

[@chazphot]

Always happy to see the fixed gear content! I like 70-72 inches for a hilly part of Kent. Definitely be interested in a handlebar video, I'm considering picking up a Dolan pre cursa frameset to build up from my parts bin and I'd been thinking of trying out a flat bar on that.

[@FixedundFertig]

It's pretty flat where I live. If I go for a 50-60-70km Spin I just endet up with 400m of elevation. So basically flat with just a few meters here and there. But Windy .. puh ! North coast in Germany 🤷🏼‍♂️ 20km/h wind speed is average here 😄 And I can ride 51×16 and Rear wheel slammed all the way in my dropouts ( just enough tiny bit clearance for removing the wheel 😅 ) . LOVE it ;)

[@duncanmartin2626]

You didn't mention if your gearing would be different if you were doing much more city riding (or if your location was super windy)? I ran a 40x16 for years - it meant I could get up any hill around here, and it was also reasonable with stop/start stuff when riding in the city. When I switched it to a TT bike I ran a 54x15 - I wasn't super fast, my PR was a 25:42, and that felt super grindy back into a headwind. :) I always have a front brake, so it means I can gear down if I want and then use the brake on descents.

[@bedleydiaz4796]

my gear is 52/14 i live in the city so its perfect for me

[@DaveNoakes]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@markevinlagsac3252]

48x17

[@DaveNoakes]

Ideal

[@chrisbailey1966]

Used to ride fixed years ago in the winter, which as many know was a common club cyclist thing. I think it was 68 inches as it was a training/winter bike (Peak District UK). On the brakes issue don't forget fixed plus front brake is legal requirement, don't expect law to help you if something goes wrong even if it's not your fault. Fixed gives lots of control when you get used to it, one time I turned up to a winter evening club social meeting during snowy weather and I was the only one on a bike.

[@nicksyahrilstorror5183]

44-13 😣😣

[@DaveNoakes]

👍🏽👍🏽

[@josevegamartin923]

great video!! i use 48/17 in Tarragona

[@mryotahead]

I rode 47*17 for a long time . Recently changed to 47*15 and added a front brake . Don't use the brake to stop it but it's good to have it . Agree

[@robduncan599]

Fix gear bikes on public roads in UK must have a front break , with good reasion. A woman was killed by a fixed gear cyclist with no breaks . He was given a prison sentence.

[@DaveNoakes]

The guy on the bike also acted like a total douche too. I say it’s illegal to ride without in this video

[@simonlund8168]

I ride 52/17 in the city and yes make more fixedgear videos!

[@idrismotilal709]

More fixed gear videos pls

[@DaveNoakes]

That I can do!

[@timmckinstry]

I rode 48x16 for a year then a few years I rode 48x15. No fixie since the crash (car failed to yield). Almost all gravel all the time now.

[@DaveNoakes]

Similar to what I used to ride. Also now riding mostly gravel.

[@crazywisdom2]

Just sub'd. Great vid. Love what you do. Am interested in all content that 'bikes'. Thanks. Love from America.

[@DaveNoakes]

Thanks for subbing and welcome to the channel 👋🏼🙏🏽

[@roguecode2354]

48x17 now used to ride 49x16. Putting a 49x17 on a new build. I also live in the mountains with lots of hills but it is still fun.

[@a.f.0815]

Hello, you drive 49x17?

[@mobilegame4282]

49/13 for a long ride

[@starwilkinson8020]

San Francisco here. 46-18 flip flop, works like a charm.

[@DaveNoakes]

👊🏼👊🏼

[@loud479]

I am currently building a single speed to see if i enjoy that type of riding so I'm doing it on the cheap with second hand mediocre compants I'm stuck using what i can get but the hope is 46-48 18 cos my housing estate is at the top of a couple steep hills and I'm not looking to murder my self on the home stretch after a day of working on my feet

[@DaveNoakes]

46-18 sounds good to me!

[@loud479]

@@DaveNoakes thankfully i work in a second hand bike shop atm so as well a as the frame and wheel set ive been able to find good quality second hand mediocre components Segino cranks Tektro brakes Sella saddle Fyxation pursuit bars The list goes on basically filling my locker and ill build it out once I'm finnished hopefully get it done by the end of march

[@leepatty6543]

What do you think about the bolt on fixed wheel cog Dave?

[@DaveNoakes]

Not a fan personally, I used them before but they end up with play after a lot of use.

[@evllve1441]

Riding 51x18, but lots of hills here so thinking of going to 51x20 or x22

[@DaveNoakes]

Why not size down on the front a bit? 48-16 or 17

[@evllve1441]

Ya that is definitely an option as well , I just thought it may be a little more simple to change and cheaper to switch out the cog than than the chainring, Im new to all this still, my current setup is a blast on flats and especially downhills easily 30mph+ but the big inclines here have me dying of exhaustion by the time I get to the top 😂 and brake sliding is extremely tough so I will eventually go down on my chainring for that reason alone

[@Flashback_Jack]

48-16 here.

[@DaveNoakes]

👍🏼

[@muromango4415]

46/13

[@NatPage]

2:22 - 2:26 LOL

[@DaveNoakes]

🤷🏻‍♂️😂

[@crazywisdom2]

P.S. I'm digging your minimalism !!~

[@DaveNoakes]

Thank you, but in all honesty this room is set up for KZbin and bike stuff so it’s pretty minimalist…the other rooms however…🤦🏻‍♂️😂

[@malcolmkenning5880]

Dave- this vid is brilliant! Thanks so much😀 Great to hear about real life experience and gear selection. I’m used to riding on the track 49x14 but hoping to build up a street fixed. I’ve been wondering about what gear inch to start with - fantastic to hear your explanation related to selection and terrain. Massive thanks!!!

[@coreygolphenee9633]

A lot of alley cat guys go 77-85

[@kyle9566]

@@coreygolphenee9633 thanks

[@alienrefugee51]

47/17 is my jam. Running a Factory 5 Lattice with a EAI deluxe. Buttery smooth. Double skid patches. I've also got a 19T EAI on the same hub for those tougher climbs.

[@markbulmer1840]

So Dave I don't know about fixed bikes. Is it like when we were kids and you had those bikes that when you stopped pedalling the bike would lock up and skid. So you ride that bike in Devon with those hills ive just seen last week. Your a nutter or just fearless😱

[@netei]

42 18 for climbing

[@DaveNoakes]

👍🏽

[@manji001]

"...Now I've shown you my Nuts..." Dude, you're willing to go brakeless in Devon - THAT in itself requires nuts! 🤣

[@cheekyjay2463]

52:15 I have a front brake :)

[@DaveNoakes]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@BenjaminSmith2]

48/15 for flat Midwest riding. I have a 16 and 17 too for longer rides.

[@MORAMANU108]

53/17

[@DaveNoakes]

💪🏼

[@chrisg4270]

Hi Dave. Another excellent vid. I’m after some advice please. I’m wanting to buy a gravel biking. I have Mtb’s and a casati road bike so I’m well into cycling. I have £2500 as my max budget I like quality bikes and yes £2500 isn’t going to buy the best of everything but your advice would be appreciated greatly. Chris g. 👍

[@paulshallicker6016]

I ride a fixed for commuting but brakeless fixed bikes are not road legal in the UK so stick to the track with a track bike.

[@blacklangster1141]

55/17 boissss

[@DaveNoakes]

Damn!

[@edwardw2652]

Rant about bars for fixed gears Please mention pursuit bars, they're like bullhorns big brother

[@Fisticuffs1776]

I have one set op with a 48/17,the other sprocket is a 19 that for when I fill weak

[@timzegstroo]

I ride 52-18. Not hilly at all, nice to spin to work. Cannot keep up with my road bike brother though...

[@tomrachellesfirstdance7843]

I like my fixed gear do not use it as much as I should really but I always feel like it could kill me anytime it feels 😂

[@VinceCarrasco.]

my Fixie is 50/15 and I practically fly on the street, at 70km

[@amrcncllctble]

i live in texas, so pretty flat, but i run a fairly easy 49-19 cuz im not an athlete

[@kristiandawe85]

I run kind of a big gear, 48/15, I should get smaller gears

[@jmh70]

48x19 seems pretty good around the Wiltshire lanes, gives me about 18mph @ 90cad.