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Enjoying my road bike and have a 53-38 double with a 12-27 cassette. I tend to spin more than push, so find the 53 a tad tough (but find running big ring front, and lower cogs (25/23T) rear a nice combo, but nasty chain line)! Looking at gearing numbers, switching to a 48T looks like a lot of overlap.
Would switching it for a 50T ring make a noticeable difference in the real world Vs. the 53T?
Cheers
yes it would
With respect to your undoubtedly muscly legs and iron constitution, not many leisure riders can get good use from a 53. The universal acceptance of the 50/34 "compact" chainset is another reason why road riding is becoming so popular.
I spin all day in 39, and I'm not a spinner. I see some people pushing along in some horrible gears, there seems to some assumption that the big ring is somehow the 'riding' gear.
Tried a 11-25?
The universal acceptance of the 50/34 "compact" chainset is another reason why road riding is becoming so popular.
This is true and rather odd, because a newcomer has to spin their ***s off in 34 or push along in 50. Fine for those that have been riding a bit, as they can cope with the 50 and just use the 34 when it's really needed.
The old 42 was ace.
Instead of 53/25, try 38/18 - it's exactly the same ratio and the chainline will be better too....
You might not be able to fit a 50 ring if you use a standard chainset. I think 50 is usually for compact and 52 etc. for standard. Worth checking.
thanks all ... I am tempted to try 'singling' it!
Am I right in thinking that 38T is the lowest you can get with a compact double at 130BCD?
Yes 38T is the smallest. If you can get a smaller ring cheap, try it, either 48 or 50 is only going to get you around one gear lower really.
universal acceptance of the 50/34
Eh? for beginners? Not for me.