gear ratios HELP ME!!

[mantra51]

I read the sticky gearing questions post and im still lost. Im trying to choose a bigger gear for my race bike. Right now im running 45/16, and i feel like like spinning too early. Im 6ft tall, and 150 or so pounds, with a lanky body style. Whats the norm on outdoor tracks for a person my size? I was thinking 46/16 and considering even larger, maybe 44/15. Im also curious as to why theres such a difference between ratios on 20x1.5 and 20x1.75. all the 1.5's are like 3 lower. How is this possible? Are they talking about the rim or the tire? Do 1.5 tires even fit on 1.75 rims? how about vise versa? And if so, which ratio chart do you follow, the one corresponding with the tire or rim? Im confused, help. Put poll responses in the thread.

[Eggit]

If you feel like you are spining a 45/16 too easily you need to practice sprints more. I would suggest getting yourself a stationary bike and riding it on a low resistance and just practice pedaling as fast as you can. You should be able to 44/16 with no problems, it will give you much better gate starts if you do.

[mantra51]

i have a set of mcclains rollers actually. And my gates arent the problem...its top end. And i run long cranks too (185) so going down a gear is definately not the way to go. Thanks anyway. Im really looking for someone my size to tell me what they are running, As an 18X i think i can gauge when my gear is too small, im not sure you realize how big of gears older racers run.S Some stick with 44 16 just because its what theyre used to. But i change my gearing pretty much for every track i go to (indoor then to outdoor etc.). Theres no plausible reason why i should learn to work harder on the existing gear/go down a tooth (which would make it even worse) when i can just gear up. I just dont know how far up.

[Eggit]

I am 6ft, and I was Xpert when I quit, 45/16 is really the highest you want to go. You really do just need to learn to pedal faster.

[keep it real]

Yeah why isnt 44/16 up there Thats what i use

[mantra51]

I tried to aget an "other" option that lets you fill in what you use. Also if youre running shorter than 180mm cranks / arent my size then i dont care what you run. Its not applicable.

[pcxl]

41/15. hoping to go to a 14 tooth cog.

[mantra51]

I found my gear, 44/15 with 185 cranks and 1.50 tires. Its like a 56.something ratio,i know its big but ive been winning with it, so i think ill stay with it.

[JTBikes]

Spin to Win! My kid came to me and told me he was spinning out his 44/16. My only question to him was so you can beat Ron Smith "A" Pro now?
"No" he replied. You see they were running the exact same bike and gear.
there is a point where you feel like you are going nowhere. but normally you just need to move you feet faster. if you go up in gear size you will get blown away out of the gate and turns and you won't be able to build speed before the all important rythem section. Increase the speed of your rotation not the size of your gear. Work on Sprints and Squats and you will improve.
JT
www.jtbikes.com