Are Big Fixed Gear Ratios Actually Faster?

[@GoldryBluszco]

"Please turn green" the mantra of the fixed gear rider

[@lacuisseqc1655]

I go on pretty deep trances with this one

[@siv5342]

@NewTube Channel that only works in new york

[@0fficer47]

I just think of reds for track stand practice

[@elnyoutube123]

I need that on a t shirt lol

[@pete801]

Hahaha. I give every red light a count down thinking I have some magic powers to turn it green. Alas, I just end up jumping reds

[@trelane751]

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]

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).

[@MusubiTattoos]

Anything is possible no matter the time

[@FixedCoconut]

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]

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]

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]

@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]

how work the 49/16?

[@MarcFurfaro]

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

[@davidkellman]

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]

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.

[@appetit2619]

the new camera really brings up the production quality.

[@jedai_sblz]

true

[@joshuahodge8537]

Not when your watching in 360p :P

[@appetit2619]

@@joshuahodge8537 its not really all about the resolution.

[@mydearriley]

what's the new camera he got? (this is my first video of his)

[@appetit2619]

@@mydearriley doesnt really know but its in his ig. welcome to the cult my dude

[@roguecode2354]

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]

I get off while riding my bicycle.

[@kadaverf]

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]

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]

4 hours a day, wow my knees would explode.

[@car_rar]

53/13? a ratio of 1 to 4?for 4 hours a day??? do you still have knees, you're lying if you say yes

[@holla4adolla3]

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.

[@redalert2834]

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_]

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.

[@OneWheelLess]

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]

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]

Pretty irrelevant comment.

[@wakeawaken430]

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]

“Better for your heart”? Elaborate..

[@huntergibson9359]

@@tbz1551 the smaller ratio emphasizes cardio over anaerobic exercise. Cardio is very good for the heart.

[@balajim2376]

appreciate if u can let us know your gear setup...

[@wakeawaken430]

@@balajim2376 46/19 when I made the post and I am still happy with this

[@gerardobenitez3138]

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]

Get in 54 by 15. Thank me later

[@AlexHasAnAxe]

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 🤙

[@reapanomin899]

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).

[@AEtherGhost136]

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]

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!

[@dannystarkridesfixed]

Zachary the little fixed gear engine that could 🚂

[@fyneyoungstunna]

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.

[@ghost-facedhindu4275]

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]

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]

@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]

@@ghost-facedhindu4275 Care to explain what a "Tour de France" cadence is?

[@elnyoutube123]

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.

[@josiah_crazy7621]

Omg ur almost at 100k 🥳🥳 great video good luck on 1 million

[@lvhydro5935]

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]

Joe?

[@neelsahay3585]

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]

‘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.

[@stereosystem]

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!

[@FixedCoconut]

I'm riding 49:15 and it's nice, But I think 50:16 or 52:17 would be nicer.

[@chazwarpdrive5171]

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.

[@solid_spec]

Where is that mtb singletrack trail @ 7:51? I know this is Elk Grove area but what street?

[@StandbyCymbalist]

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.

[@davidburgess741]

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!

[@Pablopelotudestotal]

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.

[@rstjx3j183]

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.

[@aquatwooplays4245]

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]

If you’re sprinting up, that’s not a real hill.

[@danspiritoso5945]

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]

I live in a city with steep hills and I have 50/16. How does it work for you when climbing hills?

[@muromango4415]

My singlespeed gear is 48/13 with 26" Spinergy wheels. Riding a fixie is bullshit.

[@doubled79446]

Currently recovering from bike related knee injury. Thumbnail is hella relevant lol 😅

[@ianroberts5683]

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.

[@CouZer]

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.

[@kimrice394]

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.

[@junreaksaa]

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.

[@hugogomez7359]

love your videos bro, keep it up

[@miaaaww_9]

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]

ride more.

[@miaaaww_9]

@@urielresendiz1672 you too bro and ride safe

[@gregvassilakos]

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.

[@miz47]

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

[@havefunandbikestuffOver40]

Favorite video. Getting back into my fixie riding w my old 2012 Leader 725. Enjoyed this video very much. In 48x15 but was amazing to see you do the 13. Question, Did you need a different wheel with smaller hub diameter to use the 13t, just wondering.

[@ujeans]

biking around tokyo definitely notice the big ratios up the hills but it makes the flats and downhills so worth it B)

[@bucharestcycling324]

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]

Over how long did you build up to that ratio? And what kind of training did you do? Just curious.

[@bucharestcycling324]

@@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]

@@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!

[@coryreese4626]

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.

[@dxllee7]

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]

64 / 12 is insane

[@brothatwasepic]

I think the sexy aero shoes made all the difference ❤❤❤

[@tattoojosh1]

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

[@B.E.R.T.]

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

[@anthonymohammed5014]

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

[@dannym4717]

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)

[@AlienLivesMatter]

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

[@Johann-4354]

Gears are interesting. Always fun researching numbers.

[@fallenhobbit6554]

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.

[@kylehagertybanana]

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

[@6kudaniel347]

What app do you use to record your ride?

[@Seeerton]

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.

[@noahhight7781]

As someone who jumped from 39x16 on a cross bike to 48x15 on a track, i feel this one 🦿

[@Basement_CNC]

can somebody tell me if this bike is worth buying or has somebody this bike 🤷‍♂️450€ fits the bill (500€ max) and it has good hubs with 30mm rims , a lugged fork and a simular chrankset to the aventon matero ( i think its just a rebrand) for comparision where i live ( austria) a blacklabel v2 is about 780€ and a aventon cordoba 745 , 4130 core line 560€ , fuji father is 700€ , so no real better options at this price , we dont get a kilo tt pro here🤦‍♂️

[@mrmoola3970]

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?🤔

[@colecoleman1499]

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.

[@BanacaNation]

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

[@Boogeyman-o7l]

what is the best ratio for city riding with little hills and stuff|?

[@sonymicronin]

Another question, is it more worth upgrading my wheel set or upgrading my crankset and chainring?

[@1slow_gto]

I would say wheelset first and then your drive train

[@sonymicronin]

@@1slow_gto Any budget wheelset recommendations? With sealed bearings.

[@1slow_gto]

@@sonymicronin what would you say is your budget ?

[@sonymicronin]

@@1slow_gto For wheels I would spend $200. I bought my used kilo TT in good condition for $250 and I don't know if I'd be willing to spend more on wheels than my whole bike. I know wheels are extremely important though.

[@1slow_gto]

@@sonymicronin used set of velocity rims,alex rims Honestly look on offer up or ebay For example there's a set of campologos for sale in my area for 210 That's a really good deal Local market is honestly some of the best places to look

[@sharetheroads]

what is the best gear ratio for climbing moderate to steep hills (above 10%) etc... 44/?

[@Rohsga]

Help! I am from the Philippines in manila, where there's always traffic and emotionally unstable drivers. And in a place where traffic was present, I was in my 48:17 hitting the pedals as fast as I can just to see how efficient I can be whilst in traffic. Then I noticed this old man who looks 50+ and is wearing some pajamas, but one thing in particular that I noticed is that he is faster than me, and he did it while looking like he did it effortlessly, because he pedals as if he's going like 8 to 10km per hr, but in actuality we were both going like 18 to 25km per hr, in traffic. So ye my pride was hurt, sooooo should I ignore my pride and use my 14t?

[@Rohsga]

Should I use my 14t or ignore my injured pride

[@OvAeons]

It has taken riding bikes 5-6 hours a day every weekend or more for 8-14 years when younger for me to never have knee pain. Which is interesting cause i NEVER knew till a few years ago that biking could give you knee pain lol.

[@worralll0]

I've used either 48 or 56/13 for years the biggest problem I've had is it's easy to slide the rear wheel out on slippery ground and when it does lose grip it really does.

[@homeboi4159]

Newbie single speed bussy here, does this matter if I can coast?

[@Aubreykun]

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]

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]

​@@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.

[@benbraceletspurple9108]

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.

[@Benis4562]

What’s the name of that chainring?

[@ChrisMFlorida]

I like the green bike lanes.. wish we had that in my city..

[@JoshuaPerez-py2kw]

Does anyone know a thinner bike frame brand

[@P0lakP0wer]

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]

same here

[@brycereyes2383]

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?

[@Aaosj]

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]

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...

[@aldyanfaizal8588]

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 😜✨✨

[@tjomg9354]

Do people run oval sprocket on Dixie

[@franciskianrayo3623]

Is he using the limited edition chainring?? I forgot what's the brand of it but all I know is only 50 of those chainrings were ever maid

[@maxkrug2000]

When did you switch to 32c tires, how do you like it?

[@jaycee9657]

depends on how much you like your knees and walking in later life

[@phildf6922]

What people don't get is that it's not a matter of your legs not being strong enough, it's a matter of the wind being too heavy, past 40 km/h what is keeping your wheels from spinning faster is just the air

[@keithchang8566]

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]

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.

[@zensenpai6669]

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]

This is what I ride. Feels comfortable enough to to cruise and I can get it moving when needed.

[@SamuelBlackMetalRider]

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.

[@keepingitfresh7104]

When he called me a above average cycler I laughed because I don’t even have a bike I’m just doing some research on what kind of bike I want to get

[@hobojesus9817]

That's kinda above average...

[@junokoh8489]

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 👍🏻🤗

[@lu3674]

would u try this with a freewheel with a rear brake?

[@jefflilyea4669]

I ride 46\19. 65y.o. nice to knees

[@abdulharis9390]

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]

Try 48x18 in my area we have flay and hilly terrains too

[@jkeiffer]

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?

[@DiogenesOG]

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

[@mattgunter2106]

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.

[@lomi1167]

Hey zach, i hope you can see this. Any recommendations for a drop bar single speed brake lever? And where to get it?

[@obriaind]

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.

[@eduardobenassi3072]

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]

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

[@sebastiankockelkorn9674]

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]

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]

@@colecoleman1499 yup, I've switched to 56t-15t as of now

[@colecoleman1499]

@@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]

@@sebastiankockelkorn9674 you live in Belgium. I think I found you on Strava

[@jamesmarcelo6030]

I have 52 17 Gear ratio is it bad or good?