thinking about getting myself into SS

FWIW - I run a 32-20.

 

I run a 32x20 as well. I can climb most anything with it (the amount of pain varies) and still have something for the flats.

 

I seem to do ok with 33X20 on my rigid SS.


shitty

 

Run whatever gear your ego can handle.


Personally I run 32 x 22........but I would prefer to climb instead of hike.....I will deal with spinning out on the flats.

Plus I dint want to have to stand the whole ride. Yeah the gear is a little easier than some will use, but I can sit and pedal more of the climbs.

 

Lots of good advice, I would start shorter gears and move up, sometimes when you first get on your SS you full of beans and you push like a madman and then wonder a month later why your knees and back are hurting. Like anything else there can be an adjustment period.

I like J run a 32x22 for most of OC, I like it, but I am not a 150 lb guy either, if I was I would probably run a 20.

 

I am a 150lb guy and I need my 32x22 to haul my butt up the OC/LA area hills!! I also don't want to have to stand for the whole ride. BTW, I can sit pretty comfortable on a 7-8% grade.

 

I am right there with you. 32:22 and if you do long days in the Santa Ana's that extra tooth or two in the back is nice. My next cog will be a 21 though I am more than ready to step down that 1 tooth.

 

After trying different ratios, i eventually just stuck with 32-20. It was just enough where i didn't feel like i was completely spinning out on the flats, and still could climb most steeps. I ran 32-22 once, and it drove me nuts - i felt like i wasn't going anywhere. 32-18 was nice for things like the fully loop, but for any serious trails it was just too steep of a gear.

Have fun on your ss!

 

34-22 = da sweet spot

ymmv

 

I personally run a 34x20 bit that is with a rotor ring. I have done san Juan on that gearing but that hurt like hell. starting off definitely go a 32x22 so you can enjoy the ride without too much suffering and get discouraged from riding a SS. slowly build up your strength and eventually move to a harder gearing.

 

I ride 32-22 and it's good for aliso/el moro, but pretty slow on the flats

 

If the 32 vs 34 thing is confusing, here's approximately how the ratios compare...
32x20 = 34x21
32x22 = 34x23

 

For me it's been easier adjusting to changes made with the chain ring. Started with a 32/20 and raced the whiskey with a 32/22 which I'm sure allowed me to finish faster and stronger. I just last week changed the front ring to a 33 which is less of a increase in gear inches than down sizing the rear cog to a 21. My plan is to use either 32,33 or 34 in the front since a 34/22 in just barely less gear inch than the 32/20.

 

I thought SS-ing was all about simplicity! Sorry, but all these gear ratio debates are begging for this question...

If only there were a way to have all of these gear ratios as a choice right out there on the trail. That way, you could change gears based on conditions and fitness! Dare to dream...

My bad, Carry on...

 

That would be too easy. LOL

 

32-22. Been at this since Thanksgiving. I think that is just about the right ratio for beginners.

 

I'm a SS beginner, my bike came with a 32-20, it seems fine to me. I've done Fullerton Loop, Black*, and a nice little Coto loop next to work with no walking, and just a little HAB at STT/Luge, but what the hell do I know? LOL

 

thx you everyone for the advise... I am still with 34- 23 and seem to climb ok... I just learned I cant ride my SS with my buddies when they have their fast race bikes and GEARS! I thought I would be able to keep up... Not the case.. I either climb faster or walk slower uphill lol. and in the flats they go like 15 MPH faster than me.. I need to ride with SS riders when I ride mine.. Or when I ride Solo.. It actually fun playing with all the ratios..

 

Riding my geared bike, i often wonder what ratio i would run if i were to jump to the single side. I have concluded that i am similar to yours, but, a 34-24. My only problem is, its a 34 in the rear and a 24 up front. And still, i can barely climb that. i suck.