why in hell

[jake]

I'm definetely challenged not only by math but some of the trails I ride on my ss. I've found that you do't necessarily need to go 2:1. I've got a 34/18. It's worked for me for the past 5 years in hilly terrain.

As long as you aren't trying to catch up with your geared friends on long flats, the 34/18 works great, especially for someone who's just celebrated his 42nd b'day.

Give it a try!

[wooglin]

I don't have track dropouts, and hate the idea of a tensioner, so experimenting too much is difficult. Fortunately, I can run a 2:1 and here in the SC Piedmont its a good gear.

PS--Use the reply button, not the new thread button.

[jake]

wooglin, thanks for the usage instructions for the forum......

You're right, without the track dropouts, there's little room for experimentation, problems like getting chain length just right, etc.

If you're thinking about making your bike irreversibly a ss, you can have the track dropouts welded in. I did it to my 1987 Fisher Montare 5 years ago, no regrets.
My other bikes are a 1967 Schwin Racer (Cruiser type), a road bike and another old Bianchi road bike that I'm converting to a cyclocross.