39x16

[rrooster]

Is it possible to ride most mountain roads on a 39x16 single speed cyclo cross bike? I think I would perfer to take my single speed which easier to transport than my road bike.

r

[Synchronicity]

With that gearing, I don't think so. Too difficult. You'll do yourself an injury in no time.

I previously built a single speed road bike... probably the only one in Tenerife!

That SS bike was running a 34 x 16T with 650c wheels. I'd climb up to 500-600m of altitude and quit. Definitely not recommended for hill training... that's equivalent to a 56" gear progression. You've got 66" (assuming 700c wheels).

I think last years' iliotibial band injury was partly caused by riding the singlespeed bike (but to tell you the truth, I was also forced to do a few guided rides running 39/53 chainrings on a 11-21 cassette as there were no spares left). I've since dismantled the bike & I'll be building up a triathlon bike instead (which will be available to hire).

Provided you're fit, you'd be better off with a minimum gear of 34 x 23 or 39 x 25T, but then you won't be able to pedal downhill... Most of my rental bikes come with 30/39/53 triples + 12-25 cassettes. I equip them that way for a reason. A couple of bikes even have the triple with a 12-27 cassette!