# 42/18 ratio decent for wheelies?
**URL:** https://fixed.org.au/t/42-18-ratio-decent-for-wheelies/46747
**Category:** Help
**Created:** [July 20, 2010, 8:18pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/42-18-ratio-decent-for-wheelies/46747 "2010-07-20T20:18:26Z")
**Posts on this page:** 10
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Scott](https://fixed.org.au/u/Scott)
#### Post date: [July 20, 2010, 8:18pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/42-18-ratio-decent-for-wheelies/46747/1 "2010-07-20T20:18:26Z")
42/18 ratio decent for wheelies?
right now im running 42/16 because i find that its quick, but when im trying wheelies i find that i cant keep myself at a level balance for long wheelie.
if i increase my back ratio would i be able to sit on a wheelie longer and easier?
and
if the back is bigger and the front is small (42) does that mean the pedal will be harder, so ill get tired more quicker? and cant go for as long of a distance?
so then if i increase the back to an 18 should i make the front a 48/46?? or then would i have the same problem?
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### Author:  [@Wheelworks](https://fixed.org.au/u/Wheelworks)
#### Post date: [July 20, 2010, 8:29pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/42-18-ratio-decent-for-wheelies/46747/2 "2010-07-20T20:29:05Z")
You need to run 50/15 like me, it’s awesome.
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### Author:  [@Gordy](https://fixed.org.au/u/Gordy)
#### Post date: [July 20, 2010, 8:38pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/42-18-ratio-decent-for-wheelies/46747/3 "2010-07-20T20:38:44Z")
Smaller front ring, larger rear cog = Easier gearing.
Easier gearing should help.
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### Author:  [@iwearmoccos](https://fixed.org.au/u/iwearmoccos)
#### Post date: [July 20, 2010, 8:53pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/42-18-ratio-decent-for-wheelies/46747/4 "2010-07-20T20:53:26Z")
If you can do a wheelie, you can wheelie with any ratio.
having an ‘easier’ ratio may help in getting the front wheel up, but it doesnt really make that much of a difference in keeping your balance.
In summary, you need more wheelie practice.
I offer a service, $200 an hour plusn GST personalised wheelie training. PM me if you’re keen.
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### Author:  [@nexus](https://fixed.org.au/u/nexus)
#### Post date: [July 20, 2010, 10:45pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/42-18-ratio-decent-for-wheelies/46747/5 "2010-07-20T22:45:52Z")
Youtube lessons… always check Youtube.
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### Author:  [@Scott](https://fixed.org.au/u/Scott)
#### Post date: [July 21, 2010, 2:47am UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/42-18-ratio-decent-for-wheelies/46747/6 "2010-07-21T02:47:02Z")
yeah but on youtube, they dont say the ratios they are running, never mind tho i went and bought a 18 tooth and its fucking amazing
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### Author:  [@HeavyMetalCyclist](https://fixed.org.au/u/HeavyMetalCyclist)
#### Post date: [July 21, 2010, 2:49am UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/42-18-ratio-decent-for-wheelies/46747/7 "2010-07-21T02:49:31Z")
> [@Wheelworks](#):
>
> You need to run 50/15 like me, it’s awesome.
cheeky spew at the top of Burgundy?
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### Author:  [@LukeR](https://fixed.org.au/u/LukeR)
#### Post date: [July 21, 2010, 2:50am UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/42-18-ratio-decent-for-wheelies/46747/8 "2010-07-21T02:50:10Z")
> [@Scott](#):
>
> yeah but on youtube, they dont say the ratios they are running, never mind tho i went and bought a 18 tooth and its fucking amazing
Haahhaha +1
Lower gearing (as in 60 instead of 70) will help, but is actually harder to sustain on a fixed bike (not an ss). Mainly because its hard to slow down whilst doing a wheelie (and that you continue to gain speed)…
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### Author:  [@iwearmoccos](https://fixed.org.au/u/iwearmoccos)
#### Post date: [July 21, 2010, 4:41pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/42-18-ratio-decent-for-wheelies/46747/9 "2010-07-21T16:41:15Z")
> [@LukeR](#):
>
> Haahhaha +1
>
> Lower gearing (as in 60 instead of 70) will help, but is actually harder to sustain on a fixed bike (not an ss). Mainly because its hard to slow down whilst doing a wheelie (and that you continue to gain speed)…
If you’re doing it correctly, you can keep the same speed forever as well as speed up and slow down as required.
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### Author:  [@n81](https://fixed.org.au/u/n81)
#### Post date: [July 21, 2010, 10:28pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/42-18-ratio-decent-for-wheelies/46747/10 "2010-07-21T22:28:25Z")
> [@LukeR](#):
>
> Haahhaha +1
>
> Lower gearing (as in 60 instead of 70) will help, but is actually harder to sustain on a fixed bike (not an ss). Mainly because its hard to slow down whilst doing a wheelie (and that you continue to gain speed)…
If you can’t do a decelerating wheelie on a fixie you’re an SK. Nothing better than sitting on the back wheel all the way down the street and progressively slowing down until you come to a complete stop (still on the back wheel) and rest for a moment at a red light.
Any ratio, anytime - uphill, downhill, accelerating, decelerating, turning corners, fast or ridiculously slow - if you can’t do it… practice