"yes sir you will definitely have an increase in speed. the smaller the cog the faster you'll get but pedaling will feel heavier and it won't be that easy to skid. and it will be harder going uphill."

"I used to have a ratio of 44/18 and it's easy going uphill and doing skid stops and it's light on the legs. On the other hand, you don't go that fast on straights compared to ratios of say 44/16 0r 46/16. And when you go down hill…"

"you count the teeth on the sprokets"

"First of all its not a stupid question and second is you should be able to go into just about any reputable bike shop and they will have a ratio chart but what ever gearing you do decide on make sure the chain you have matches up well too so no…"

"im riding 48-17 right now im dropping the rear down to 16t . the area changes alot around where i am once i move to a flat area then i will go up in sprocket size. but i got use to my setup in a week so its time to drop"

"i think my ratio right now is 44/16 and i can do skids on smooth surfaces only not on streets. planning on trying 44/17. any advice?"

"42 16 or something what ever that equates into gear inches bro, but thats lite you will be going thru rubber like crazy."

"What is an ideal ratio for doing a skid stop?"

"go for it, crank it!"

"you can easily go to a 42/16. Trust me I've been riding 42/16 in a hilly area in upstate NY. In fact I just ordered 2 new chainrings 44 and 46."

"If you cant get your front wheel up because of your gearing, then switch it. Try riding a 42/16 and you will deffff pop sum wheeliessss. You should also be able to do this on a 44/16. If you tried a 42/18 or 44/18, it would be really really really…"

"EXACTLY . it is all trial and error and until your either a prime athlete or keen to do ONE TRICK. Just ride. AND RIDE LIKE YOUR STOLE IT (ohh I love that sticker)"

"tow in ...hehehe"

"that would be "smaller ratio" hmmm hang on .. traveled inches or ratios? I have always equated to how many inches per wheel revolution as THE measurement to compare against. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gear_inches Gear inches express…"

"Don't compare yourself to others. I ride with a brake, some don't. I hit 27 mph on my bike often and average almost 20 mph on my rides. It is safer for me to ride with a brake, because my gearing allows for fast speed. Once again your…"

"Why would anyone care what another rider is running. i personally dont give a hoot what your are running or what you think is week. do your thing and i'll do mine. riding for the enjoyment is the game, not what everyone else thinks of us or our…"