Originally Posted by
Racing Dan
For me, with the 46, Id rather have the equivalent of one more (low)gear before I need to switch to the little ring, than the 50/11, that I dont need at all. 46/11 is more than plenty, topping out at ~33 mph, down a few from the 50/11 at ~36mph.
Right, but the question here is, should he spend some significant amount of money to get the crankset changed, or will his riding experience be just as enjoyable with the 50-34?
If he really does plan to race (which he suggests he might) then obviously he will want the higher gearing.
For just riding around, I agree, the 11 is a joke gear on most bikes.
However ... consider cost/benefit ration, would he be better off with a 46-36 or a 12-25? if he wants closer midrange rations and doesn't hit the hills ... If he buys the 12-25 and the two cheap tools he will need to do his own changes, he will be spending way less than swapping out the crankset and have more usable midrange gearing plus the climbing option.
Best option: ride the bike a while and then choose. In a world where money is not object ... get the crankset swap and get as custom cassette made ... or several ... and tailor the gearing to the day's ride.
In the real world: Ride.