Originally Posted by
MKahrl
If you rarely use the smallest three cogs with a 50x34 you will use them even LESS often with a 52x36.
Spinning out a 50x11, presumably at 110 rpm, would leave you at 41 mph vs 43 mph with 52x11.
Folks always use the spinning out at 110 or 120 rpm argument against the 52. My thought is that I like riding at a lower cadence when in a group if not pulling. Therefore, if we're doing 30-33 mph on slight downhills or with the wind at our back, I can save 10-20 rpm using a 52x11 vs 50x11. If you never use your easiest gear (34x28 or 34x25, whatever you run), I can't think of a reason not to go with the mid-compact.