Gearing Issues
Looking for some input here. I am running a Mid Compact 52/36 crank on my Felt DA2 with 11-26 gears. My issue is I am ridding a lot of hills and throwing out big watts on climbs. I am already not suited well for climbing since I am 5'10 and 185 with no weight to lose. I am wondering if it makes more sense to get a compact crank vs switching out my gearing?
My initial thoughts are it is makes more since to drop down to a 50/34, rather than having to switch out gears depending on race etc.. However, I am not real sure how much more dropping to a 50/34 vs my 52/36 will actually give me. The area I train is by no means full of huge climbs however in a 50 mile ride I am getting about 3000' of climbing in so the watts I am throwing out the window is taking a toll. My current FTP is around 275 and should top out at around 305 when I am race ready, so even with a fairly high FTP I am still toping 300+ watts on my climbs putting me in Z5 territory.
Any input is much appreciated, I am sure there are several gearing ninjas out there, I am obviously not one!
Thanks,
Shane
Comments
I would suggest an 11/28 as well. It's a cheaper fix. The 28/36 combo will "take the edge off" climbs and allow you to spin more.
Changing the the crank will give you "change" than your think. I run a compact and mid-compact and the difference to me is pretty profound at the top and bottom ends. The middle is just the middle. There is no real difference. It's the highs and lows where you really feel it.
To add on to what Peter said, you and I have similar builds. I am 177 and 5'9". My FTP is around 295. I race with 50/34 paired to a 11/28 cassette. I like choices and plenty of low gears so I climb anything at 200 watts if I need to run afterward.