[Funrover]

I am curious how many of you use a 32/18 set up? How do you like it. I have just started

 

[Doggity]

I'm running 34/19, which on my bike=46.4 gear inches,whereas 32/18=46.1, so it's essentially the same. While I find this perfect about town (which has lots of hills) it can be a bit too tall for some trails here in the southern Rockies. But I'm leaving it, because it's a good compromise, all around gearing.

 

[zuk88]

I'm running 32/18 and love it. It seems to be a good all round gear for my local trails and the pavement ride to the trail(if your not in a hurry that is.)

 

[boomn]

I am curious how many of you use a 32/18 set up? How do you like it. I have just started

29" wheels or 26" wheels? 32x18 on a 29er is equivalent to 32x16 on a 26er I believe.

I am now using 32x18 on my 29er. I like the speed for average trail riding, but I am also slower on long climbs.

 

[Andy R]

I'm currently using 32:19 (26" wheel).
It's a bit spinny for flat road work (but I try not to do much of that anyway !) If you can spin well it's still good for about 15mph on the level and perfect for the trails round here.

 

[HOG farmer]

I am curious how many of you use a 32/18 set up? How do you like it. I have just started

Hey Funrover, I think this is going to be completely up to you. First look, or ask around your local SS scene, and get an idea of what everyone is running. It really depends on a few factors like terrain, your fitness, your bike weight etc. I would say 32/18 would generally be a good place to start. Have fun!

 

[PBR me!]

Funrover, I've ran my 32x18 on my 26" for about three years now and pretty much is the right gear for me! I was forced to run my 16t freewheel when my 18 went out right before my first night lap at the 24hrs. in the sage, just had to work harder! I have gone through several $himano freewheel hubs and after mine froze up the other night at buffalo creek that was it!

I now have this:

next time your up in denver check out our T.I.T.S. rides on thurs. or Fri. nights!:thumbsup:

good luck and have fun!

 

[Funrover]

I am starting at this point and seeing how I do... First ride out I broke my freewheel (didn't even get to the trail yet DO'H) I am on a 26" wheel! I figured that with what I plan to do with this bike it will be a great all around gearing!

PBR - trust me when I say I am trying, I keep hoping to get a free thurs/fri night

 

[Loudpawlz]

I am curious how many of you use a 32/18 set up? How do you like it. I have just started

That is a great ratio for the rides around the Springs. No shame in a 19 or 20 either until you get used to the SS rhythm. A 20 will also serve you well above timber line once the snow melts.

 

[perttime]

32/18, or 34/19, lets me get to the top of most climbs I have in my area. It is slow on flat ground, which is OK on trails as it lets me recover from the uphills and more technical spots.

Whatever works...

 

[grundy]

32:18 is the go-to trail riding set up around here. Go for it and see how it works for you.

 

[cranberry]

32x16. Perfect 2:1
26 incher...I don't do clown wheels.
Most of the stuff around me is fairly flat with short steep climbs. (Charlotte, NC).

 

[wes m.]

I'm running 32/18 on my 29er. I mountain bike in the mountains so I'm usually going uphill or downhill, almost never flat. Its a little high but I got used to it. Just capitalize on the speed going downhill and try to carry it into the next uphill.

If youre riding a 26 then you should have a pretty moderate gear.

 

[big_slacker]

I go 32/18 as well on a 26" and have found it to be the best all round gear for me. I started with 32/20 for several months. It worked very well on climbs but spins out quick on flats and downhill.

I switched to 32/18 a month ago. On the first ride I thought it was too hard but then I reached down and realized that I had a sack so I kept riding it. Now its fun and I fly up hills that I slogged up before. I think its great here in the desert because more speed/momentum gets you over the sandy/rocky parts without losing traction.

'They' say that 32/16 is the magic gearing for SS but I'm not sure of that with the conditions here, you'd have to be pretty strong to get up some of the tougher climbs here in that gear.

 

[Zion Rasta]

32x18 on a 26er is a good gear ratio for starting SS. You'll feel when to change to a smaller cog.

 

[mvi]

Just went down to 38/25 on 29" and like it. Grab the geared bike if I need more/less. I like the way the chain runs on bigger cogs and rings.

 

[chumbox]

32/18 on a 29er. Bike came with that setup and never changed it. Love it, find it perfect for what I ride which is stack loads of hills. First off was hard but you toughen up and enjoy it after a month or so.

 

[cjump]

33/18 here. i know it's not a 32 but i think it is just perfect. i spin out on the flats sometimes but the 18 really helps with long or steep climbs. i feel like i could go to a 16 in the back and that would help with downhill and flats, but with that i know i would have to carry a lot more momentum into a hill. in central/western NC, that really isn't all too often.

 

[OldZaskar]

32:16 (also no clown wheels... he he he - that's funny right there) and ride Central Georgia and North Georgia mountains - Love it. Have NO plans on going to an easier gear.

There have been a few (like one or two) times an easier gear would have been "nice". But there have been many more when a bigger gear would've been useful - flats, downhills...

 

[Tubedriver]

33x18 26" works pretty well for me although sometimes I run 33x16 on less hilly trails.