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Mo Gears

cgres123cgres123
in General Training Discussions
I'm using Shimano Ultegra crank 53 / 38 and a cassette of 12 / 25.

 

What is the benefit of switching to a 50 / 34 ? Will it make a difference for me since I weigh about 190 with a 2.2 W/kg.

 

Do the smaller numbers mean more gearing or the larger ?

Comments

  • tuckermtuckerm
    A 50/34 will allow you to spin up the big hills of south Jersey much easier!
  • rboglerbogle
    Nice Wiki entry on this in case you hadn't seen it : http://members.endurancenation.us/Resources/Wiki/tabid/108/Default.aspx?topic=Compact+Cranks
  • cgres123cgres123
    @ Tucker, ya know Breakneck is bruttle, actually the set up would be for White Face in LP

    @ Rian, Thx good info , seems like any type of change would just be a waste of cash.
  • Peter GreaggPeter Greagg
    David — While I am certainly no WSM, an advantage of a compact crank and, say, a 12/26 cassette is that it makes it easier to sit on your target power going up hills without spiking the watts at very low cadances.

  • Woody FreeseWoody Freese
    David > As a bigger guy, I suspect you will love it and adapt easily - especially on the hills! I am a biggin' - and was very skeptical at first - subscribing to the old school of thought that the larger chainrings were better. I thought installing a compact crank meant that I was getting older/slower and this was the new "granny gear" or triple chainring (NTTIAWWT) -the ego was the biggest hurdle.

    I switched over and loved it from Day 1. As an LP vet, I am confident you will be able to climb easier w/out watching your wattage soar going up Whiteface!

    Try it for a couple of months, holding onto the current 53/39 crankset (and bottom bracket if they work together). If you like the new system, sell the 53/39 on e-Bay or on the forum. If you like the 53/39 more, remove the compact crank and sell that.

    Keep in mind - if you have 9 speed components, you will need to make sure the chainrings on the new crank are compatible w/ a 9 speed. If you have 10 speed, make sure the chainrings are compatible. As I recall, spacing of the chain and width of the links in 9 speed vs. 10 speed are different - translation> if you are not comfortable making this call, take it to your local bike shop and ask for recommendations.


  • TH3 FRBTH3 FRB
    Smaller up front --> easier
    Bigger in back --> easier

    A combination such as 50/34 up front and 11/25 in the back can give you much the same gearing range on the bottom end but more gears up top for climbing compared to a standard crank with 12/25. And you can always swap an 11/21 in the back if you are riding a relatively flat course and want to tighten up the ratios. I train with a 12/25 and race either a 11/21 or 12/27 depending on the course - always with compact crank.
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