That is really what it comes down to. When picking a gear for a Single Speed, it is important to figure out where you are and what you can turn.

Although, you would really be surprised at what you can force yourself to turn.

If you go too easy, then Single Speed is pointless. It's supposed to be hard, loose sections and hills should really challenge your mental toughness. If you are not pushing yourself to a near breaking point, just go back to a geared bike. If you find yourself contemplating walking or running a challenging section while pounding through it with a grimace, you have the right gear.
If you find yourself think "hey that wasn't so bad", your gear is too small.

If you get off the bike at the finish and think "I don't ever want to do that again", but cleaned everything, you have the right gear.

Ron

Anonymous wrote:If you rode that and beat everyone on the geared bikes, it's likely your advice would not be very useful to someone who is not in the same shape or much fitter than every one else in their field.

If you rode that and beat everyone on the geared bikes, it's likely your advice would not be very useful to someone who is not in the same shape or much fitter than every one else in their field.

Brother Maynard wrote:As a follow up, the 42 x 18 worked out quite well at the first Pilarcitos.
I will likely stick with it.

Ron

obi-ron wrote:After using an SS mountain bike last year with a 32 x 14, I have built up cross bike SS using a 42 x 18. With consideration of the wheel size, it is about 5 - 6 gear inches bigger.

That gear might be a bit big for some, I actually only had problems at Districts where we had a long flat road section. On the tighter courses that required pure accelaration and tight cornering I did quite well.
In the Bs that is.

Ron

As a follow up, the 42 x 18 worked out quite well at the first Pilarcitos.
I will likely stick with it.

Ron

obi-ron wrote:After using an SS mountain bike last year with a 32 x 14, I have built up cross bike SS using a 42 x 18. With consideration of the wheel size, it is about 5 - 6 gear inches bigger.

That gear might be a bit big for some, I actually only had problems at Districts where we had a long flat road section. On the tighter courses that required pure accelaration and tight cornering I did quite well.
In the Bs that is.

Ron

After using an SS mountain bike last year with a 32 x 14, I have built up cross bike SS using a 42 x 18. With consideration of the wheel size, it is about 5 - 6 gear inches bigger.

That gear might be a bit big for some, I actually only had problems at Districts where we had a long flat road section. On the tighter courses that required pure accelaration and tight cornering I did quite well.
In the Bs that is.

Ron

A good place to start may be the average of the three most commonly used gears on your shifter bike. This way you get enough meat for the flat sections, and enought spin for the climbs. Hope that gets you going in a good direction.