Urban/Trials riders...

For trials you will want something like a 22:16 or 22:18 ratio.

Urban is a loose term, and what I call urban may not be what you ride. I run anything between a 32:16 and 22:18.

The 32:16 is usually run for simple flat-to-flat drops and general stuffing around town.

If I want to start buggering about grinding rails, riding walls and playing in skate parks and stuff I'd be running something a lot closer to a 22: something.

I’m not exactly a skilled urban rider, so I’m not sure if this is the way to go. Seems to suit me fine though.

Cheers, Dave.

Guital2 said:

I acquired a Specialized P-bike a while ago and am used to running a 2:1 ratio on my XC SS......but anywho I plan on using the P-bike as mostly an urban/ street trials type bike right now it is a 32:16 but I think I could probably benefit by a lower ratio...what do you/would you recommend? like 32:18???

thanks!
Merry Christmas!

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It really depends on your style of riding, I use a fast 36:16 on my Norco 125 for urban assault and dirt jumping

Guital2 said:

I acquired a Specialized P-bike a while ago and am used to running a 2:1 ratio on my XC SS......but anywho I plan on using the P-bike as mostly an urban/ street trials type bike right now it is a 32:16 but I think I could probably benefit by a lower ratio...what do you/would you recommend? like 32:18???

thanks!
Merry Christmas!

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for street riding and dirt u can use something a bit harder than a 2:1
on my old LeToy i ran a 39:17/18
but if your style of street riding is more "trial influenced" better use something lighter

in the end it depends if u prefer low speed or high speed tricks.

happy new year

I ride 32:21 for trials-type urban and for climbing, so I don't have to change my gears out hardly ever. For dirt jumping and ditching security guards you might want something heavier.

Low_Rider said:

For trials you will want something like a 22:16 or 22:18 ratio. Urban is a loose term

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Most trials riders run a 22 up front for both urban and natural riding. You won't get any momentum going but it's much better for pedal kicks, track stands etc. I run a standard rear hub with 4 gears - 22,20,18,16 (I think) . Check out observedtrials.net

I think 22 front 19 rear is everybodys favorite for trials
22 / 19 = 1.157

but these days it's hard not to ride an 18 tooth cog up front and either 15 or 16 in the rear
18 / 15 = 1.2
18 / 16 = 1.125

if you've got a 32 up front and you don't want to use your granny, consider a 28tooth in the rear.
32 / 28 = 1.14


If you run anything harder than these approximate ratios, you will either be limiting yourself, or you won't really be riding trials.