What is the right BMX gearing for a 12 tooth freewheel?

Answer 1

The right gearing for a 12 tooth freewheel won't be found in any article written by a competent and knowledgeable bike person. That's because there are other factors (variables) that must be considered when selecting gears. The leg strength of the rider, the crank length and even the length of a rider's leg and how quickly he can spin the cranks will factor in. And the course will demand some additional considerations to insure the bike is set up to give the rider an optimum shot at edging the competition. On the surface, this might not seem helpful, and it really doesn't specifically provide a number you can use to go out and get a chain ring with that many teeth on it. But if you're shorter and can spin the cranks quickly, you'll be running a tooth or two less than a taller, "slower spinning" rider. And only experience at the track or a course will allow you to "feel" what works best for your abilities and riding style. As a parting thought, many races are won and lost in the gate. This means that if you're racing, you can't run a big ring because the guys with the smaller rings will leave you at the line and you'll spend the rest of the race trying to catch them. Perhaps you have enough to now think about the problem and navigate your way to a solution that fits you.