Gear Ratio

[Tinashi]

Hi all
Im about to convert my zaskar race to ss ,Ive read a fair bit and just wanted some advice on the ratio.
Using ssconvert and fix me up they say with a 16.54/420mm chainstay length
to get a 36x15 and i shouldnt need a tensioner, but if i have to use one any recommendations?

Thnx
Tin

[ito]

I'd say use a tensioner. 36x15 is going to be a tough gear to push if you are mountain biking. Rule of thumb is to try 2:1 ratio and then go up and down from there.

The Ito

[Tinashi]

Hi ito
What do u think of the rennen rollenger and the similair dmr simple tension seeker ,if i change ratios i gotta use the tensioner but not a spring one as i dont think the tension is high enough.
This conversion is to try out ss if i like it i will orer a rock lobster frame from them.

What gearing would u recommend i got good legs and weigh about 17 stone.
Thnx

[Echo]

Depends on your trails but 2:1 is the rule of thumb... start there and tweak as needed :)

[-dustin]

Rennens are your friend.

2:1 is good starting point.32:16, 36:18, etc. if you're a monster, you can drop down to a smaller cog in the back and try that out.

[riderx]

Hi all
Im about to convert my zaskar race to ss ,Ive read a fair bit and just wanted some advice on the ratio.
Using ssconvert and fix me up they say with a 16.54/420mm chainstay length
to get a 36x15 and i shouldnt need a tensioner, but if i have to use one any recommendations?

Thnx
TinIf you keep the total number of teeth the same, you should be able to use another gear combo. For instance, 36+15 = 51 and 34+17=51 -- Bingo, you've got your 2:1

[Tinashi]

Thnx for the quick reply peeps

Any advice on those tensioners :)

[-dustin]

Rennen is good

[riderx]

Any advice on those tensioners :)Avoid them if you can. Try a half-link first, it's cheaper and more streamlined. Or pony up for a White Industries ENO eccentric hub, sweet solution.

[Mtbike]

riderx,

What company(ies) are producing half links? The only thing I can find is a bmx half link that comes with a cotter pin.

[riderx]

spicer cycles should have them and Harris cycles in MA. You should be able to order both online.

[Tinashi]

Eno is out as i run discs, i will look for half links.

Gonna use middleburn rs-7 cranks but a lot of isis bb dont seem to get good reviews.
My xt cranks have the main ring pressed on so they r poo.

Any good isis bb out there?.

Ta

[Nate at RIT]

Try a 32:15. If a 36:15 will work, a 32 up front will work as well, sans tensioner. If you're planning on riding it up any sort of hill off road, go with the 32:15.

[Tinashi]

Will the use of this type of chain "Shadow Conspiracy Interlock Chain " take away the need for a tensioner?.

Ta
Tin

[largerthan9]

that chain is made up with all half links we have one here I have not used one yet but in theory it should work great as it is all half links.....
I just use a half link with a bmx chain.

[slowSSer]

Eno is out as i run discs, i will look for half links.

Gonna use middleburn rs-7 cranks but a lot of isis bb dont seem to get good reviews.
My xt cranks have the main ring pressed on so they r poo.

Any good isis bb out there?.

Ta

not true on the eno! there is a disc one coming soon.

FSA platinum pro's seem pretty bomb proof- running them on two SS's and one geared bike with zero complaints.

oh, as for gearing, it really depends on where you ride. here in socal, people seem to be running a little less than 2:1, such as 34:20 or so (roughly 1.8:1)