Yes, as the title says, waht should my gearing be? I`m looking into SS:ing my old Bottecchia and eventually fixize it too. Maybe a flip-flop hub?
Just looking for having a bike to lightly train on and using as an all-around beater.
Any and all suggestions greatly appreciated.

regards, erol/frost
www.frostnet.nu

is relate what I'm doing. Not saying it's "right" or the only answer. At 56 and moving from a traditional road bike to a fixie/SS, I decided to go easy on myself to start. Phil Wood hubs, rear is 120 mm flip-flop. TA Pro 5 Vis Piste cranskset witha 42T ring. Starting out with 16t and 17t cogs, and the same for the SS freewheels on the other side. This pretty much brackets the so-called "ideal" of ~70 gear inches.

My plan is to go SS first to get used to the idea while still having the ability to coast (and at 56 I think I've earned the right to coast :D). Then flip as desired. I've got to say that this is all theory so far for me. Most all of the parts are in house or will be shortly. But thing I need to hang 'em on - the frame - ain't arriving until 2005 (Jan or Feb).

Aha, so around 70 inches is what is regarded as the "ideal" gear? Ok, and i have cogs and chainrings in those sizes you mention too so that shouldn`t be a problem either.
And yes, i`m thinking in the exakt same orbit as you even though i`m only 29... =) Start this whole SS-experience easy with the ability to coast and then eventually go fixed.
Thanks for replying!

Yes, as the title says, waht should my gearing be? I`m looking into SS:ing my old Bottecchia and eventually fixize it too. Maybe a flip-flop hub?
Just looking for having a bike to lightly train on and using as an all-around beater.
Any and all suggestions greatly appreciated.

regards, erol/frost
www.frostnet.nu (http://www.frostnet.nu)If you live in a fairly flat area, you could go taller than the 42x16. If it is more hilly, go lower. I use 42x17 fixed and 42x18 SS. I live in a fairly hilly arae with lots of rollers. The idea with fixies is to improve your spin; not to mash out big gears.

Yes, that is a goal of mine as well. To work on my spin and pedal more efficently. looking forward to this i must say. I post a pic when i`m done SS:ing my poor B-bike. =)

It's interesting you bring that up; I was just checking in my copy of the CONI manual for the old school Italian approach and they recommended 57-58 inches for the cyclist seeking to improve "agility and strength". That's way lower than you see recommended by most current American fixed gear advocates, but it does have the benefit of forcing a smooth pedal stroke and minimizing stess on the knees (at least on the uphills!).

I just went down to a 39/18, which is somewhere around 60'. I did a rolling 50 miles on Saturday and it definitely helped on the hills without slowing me down too much on the flats. It takes a cadance of around 120 to get up to 20 mph, but that's idea isn't it?

I'd say that if you're interested in off season training with an emphasis on form go for the lower gearing.

I agree that 70" seems to be a good place to start. My fixie is setup with a Surly flip flop hub - 42t chainring, with a 16t on one side, 17t on the other.

Sheldon Brown's gear calculator is a helpful reference tool:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gears/