Fixed gear noob questions re gear ratio

Snapper1

Howdy folks,

I've been riding fixed for a while now and am starting to think about moving up to a different gear ratio.

I'm currently on the stock 42/16 ratio but just wondering is it a simple job of buying a bigger chainring and a longer chain? If someone could run through the process it would be great because I'm pretty clueless at the moment.

niceonetom

i would change the cog rather than the chainring - cheaper and less compatibility issues.

if you go from 16t to 15t with a 42t chainring you'll get go from 70gear-inches to 75ish, which is a manageable jump, that'll still get you up those hills.

you'll need a lockring spanner to remove the lockring (these are REVERSE THREADED i.e. CLOCKWISE TO OPEN) and a chainwhip to remove the cog (which is normally conventioanally threaded).

you'll need to check whether your drive train is 3/32" pitch or 1/8" pitch before buying a replacment cog - it should be written on the cog you have at the moment. you may not need a new chain, depending on how much room you have in the drop outs, as your only removing one tooth from the system. but new chains are nice.

i haven't looked but i'm sure sheldon brown has plenty to say on this.

fish-head

You can also use a hammer and a screwdriver if you're careful, to get the lockring off.

Wez

This is a perfect kinda job to do in the shop, if you don't know how yourself, It's fairly simple, just you need the tools.. Taking a screwdriver and hammer to your gears isn't the best idea, but would work if you're stuck!

I bought a new sprocket in JD's in Dundrum and they let me use their tools! You need a C spanner to make sure everything's tight, don't want your sprocket coming loose mid cycle!

This is the most crucial part of a fixie, imo and needs to be the safest, although I'm guessing you have atleast an emergency brake if you're a noob, still can't be too safe!

As said already, dropping a tooth on the rear would be safe enough, doubt you'll need a chain, but ya never know! Good luck with it anyway, anymore questions, just ask! After building mine from the ground up, I know how awkward some parts can be! As I'm sure everyone else knows too..

kona

id stick a hollowtech 2 crankset in it:D:D save yourself a kilo or so:D

frenchie091

If you don't have a chainwhip, you can remove the sprocket with the rotafix method, just invert the rotation directions.