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Compact Chainrings

John SchneiderJohn Schneider
in General Training Discussions

I'm running Sram Red 53/39 and 11-27 which I know isn't the preferred EN chainring sizing

Looks like my chainring options are 52/50 & 36/34

Any recommendations on which route to go?

 

Comments

  • Coach RichCoach Rich
    Posted By John Schneider on 16 Feb 2012 05:07 PM

    I'm running Sram Red 53/39 and 11-27 which I know isn't the preferred EN chainring sizing

    Looks like my chainring options are 52/50 & 36/34

    Any recommendations on which route to go?

     

     

    50/34, definitely

  • NortonNorton
    Posted By John Schneider on 16 Feb 2012 05:07 PM

    I'm running Sram Red 53/39 and 11-27 which I know isn't the preferred EN chainring sizing

    Looks like my chainring options are 52/50 & 36/34

    Any recommendations on which route to go?

     



    To get the preferred 50/34 combination, you'll have to purchase a new crankset.

  • Coach RichCoach Rich
    Posted By Bill Russell on 16 Feb 2012 05:55 PM
    Posted By John Schneider on 16 Feb 2012 05:07 PM

    I'm running Sram Red 53/39 and 11-27 which I know isn't the preferred EN chainring sizing

    Looks like my chainring options are 52/50 & 36/34

    Any recommendations on which route to go?

     



    To get the preferred 50/34 combination, you'll have to purchase a new crankset.

     

    Which is to say that you can't put 50/34 rings on your 53/39 crankset. The bolt holes won't line up. As Bill said, you will need to purchase new cranks....but it's a good switch to make and you can sell your current cranks on EBay.

  • GMAN 19030GMAN 19030
    My opinion on compact vs standard depends on where you live and the terrain you usually ride. I see that John is in Colorado so a compact would probably be quite useful. I live in flat as a board Texas so I use 54/39 and 12-23 or 12-25.
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    If you can only have one, and you expect to ride/race hills, then go with the compact. I'm fortunate enough to have one tri bike w 54/39 for flat terrain and another w 50/34 for the hills. I'll select the cassette based on the course. My 53-39 is coming with me this year for San Juan, Muncie and Cozumel. The compact is going to St Croix. I'll need it and one heck of a cassette to get over the "Beast".
  • TH3 FRBTH3 FRB
    Posted By Bob McCallum on 16 Feb 2012 09:14 PM

    My opinion on compact vs standard depends on where you live and the terrain you usually ride. I see that John is in Colorado so a compact would probably be quite useful. I live in flat as a board Texas so I use 54/39 and 12-23 or 12-25.



    I understand where you're coming from but I ride a compact here in coastal VA Beach where the only hill we have is a bridge over the intercoastal waterway.  I'm not a monster on the bike but I've never found myself wanting for more gears training with a 12/25.  I have an 11-21 for flat races and a 12/27 for hilly races.  Even with a 12-27 I wouldn't be happy riding a 39 small ring on courses like IMCdA, IMLP, IMC, IMSG, IMW, St. Croix, Racine, Pocono, Mooseman, Timberman, Wildflower, and probably a bunch of others.

  • GMAN 19030GMAN 19030
    Don't ride in the small ring. Problem solved! :-)
  • TH3 FRBTH3 FRB
    I've got no problem with riding in the small ring WITH and compact. Race results trump macho every time.
  • mgraffeomgraffeo
    True dat! I did the Mooseman Oly on my brand new tri bike back in 2008, with my 53/39 and an 11-23. That course killed me, and it was much easier than the new Mooseman course. Aside from maybe IMFL, I can't imagine a race where my 50/34 and either 11-25 or 12-27 wouldn't get it done for me.
  • TH3 FRBTH3 FRB
    50/34 and 11/21 was plenty at IMFL to ride 5hrs flat with plenty of gears left if I had the additional fitness. Although I need to be around 97-103RPM to be most comfortable and it meshes best with my relatively quick run turnover too.
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