As seasons continue to change, many of you might be cycling more often. Let's talk about an important factor in cycling comfort - gear ratios! Simply put, a gear ratio refers to how many times the wheel turns for one complete rotation of the pedals.
Q: How do you calculate gear ratios?
To calculate, you divide the number of teeth on the front chainring by the number of teeth on the rear cog. For example, the gear ratio we often recommend is 2.88. This means that for every full pedal stroke, the wheel turns 2.88 times. We find this ratio offers a stable balance of speed and skid spots.
Q: What's a skid spot?
"A skid spot refers to the point on the tire that touches the ground when you skid. For instance, with a gear ratio of 3, your wheel turns exactly three times, resulting in one skid spot. This can cause excessive wear at that same spot on your tire, leading to quicker tire replacement. To increase tire longevity, choose a gear ratio that results in more skid spots. The more skid spots, the more evenly your tire wears down. For example, a 49×17 setup gives you 17 different skid spots.
See the chart below on skid points for a quick reference:"
"Finding the right gear ratio depends on your cycling needs, such as distance and terrain. For daily commutes over varying terrains, a ratio between 2.6 and 2.9 is advisable. I prefer a slightly lighter ratio of 2.76 (47÷17) for easier starting and skidding, which is great for city riding, especially in areas with hills like Harajuku in Tokyo.
Pro Tip: If you pedal lightly, you won't reach top speed but you'll be able to skid easily at lower speeds."
For any further questions or help with parts, feel free to ask our staff at the store!
KIYO - BROTURES HARAJUKU
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