PBP - Fixed Gearing

[rob]

I am attempting my 4th PBP on Fixed.   My first fixed SR was done on 70" last year which suited me for gently rolling rides.   I get the feeling I'll need something a bit lower for days 3-4.   

The bike is set up with 48*18, but there's space on the other side for another sprocket.   I'm toying with putting a 20 on the other side to give me a 63" and then flipping the wheel later in the ride if needed.   

Any thoughts ?

Ta


Rob

[border-rider]

I'd stick with what works.

I geared up a tad last time for the dash out of Paris, but ended up turning the wheel back to the usual at the first control and leaving it there.  In 2003 I just rode on my usual gear.  

The terrain is pretty benign but it's not flat, as you know.  On days 3 & 4 having to spin on downhills may hurt more/be more tiring than rolling along in a normal gear.  The descent of the Roc is a good test of how your arse is fairing at that point...

[Greenbank]

67" was good enough for the Elenith, BCM and LEL, plus my pan flat commute across London so that's what I'll be using for (my debut) PBP.

[zigzag]

there is an article on sheldon brown's site, and the rider says:

"It really is a good route for a fixed gear. The hills are constant, but none of them are ridiculous. I never needed to even think about getting off and walking on any of them."

she was riding 42x16

http://sheldonbrown.com/pbp-emily-obrien.html

[Ian H]

I rode a 43x17 in 99. The only slightly grunty bit was up through the forest on the final leg (where they stand with bugles or bells to encourage you).

[red marley]

On most Audaxes I ride 48x18. During the last PBP I rode with 48x17 and took an 18t sprocket with me with the intention of changing it for the hillier Brittany end of the ride. In the end I didn't feel the need to change and the gear suited me fine throughout.

I actually found a slightly higher gear helpful on the foresty bit on the final leg as combined with bugle playing supporters and the scent of Paris, stopped me from going into pootle mode.

[Andrew]

All this talk is making me think maybe.

I ride 48x20 around here as it's a but lumpy but I have an 18t (flip-flop) option. I've not ridden much more than 150km fixed yet so I'd need to give it a go first - change the saddle too - but, yes, no reason why not. 

[border-rider]

I rode a 43x17 in 99. The only slightly grunty bit was up through the forest on the final leg (where they stand with bugles or bells to encourage you).

I seemed to be turbcharged going up that, and passed about 300 people