Originally Posted by
Canker
The rare times I do spin out with my 46 front guess what, I just quit spinning. I spend about 0.37% of my average ride at over 40mph here in Wv so it isn't a huge thing to worry about anyway. I'd like to be wearing motorcycle leather if I'm hitting those kinds of speeds anyway. The idea of wrecking at those speeds on asphalt with nothing but spandex on is terrifying.
This. Unless you are racing and really need that downhill speed (on a TdF road where all car traffic is removed and the asphalt is really smooth) a smaller chainring will be better for mere mortals.
OP: find out if you can install smaller chainrings or a subcompact crank assuming you don't spin out