anyone use compact crankset for racing?
10-17-18, 10:03 AM
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At first I thought this topic was in jest...but then I saw the replies (which I also thought were in jest)...
10-17-18, 10:34 AM
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out walking the earth
10-17-18, 11:03 AM
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It's worth noting that track cyclists manage higher peak speeds over the same distances on a smaller gear than a 50/11.
The biggest advantage to running a 53 or 54 big ring, if you can spin, is the mechanical efficiency that comes from the better chain line.
The biggest advantage to running a 53 or 54 big ring, if you can spin, is the mechanical efficiency that comes from the better chain line.
10-17-18, 09:22 PM
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I recently did the Death Ride, a fondo-esque ride in NorCal with a ton of climbing, on a 53/39. I snuck an 11-32 on the rear with a standard etap derailleur. Worked fine, but had to remind myself not to go into big/big. Lots of long descents, so the 53/11 was nice to have with the added climbing range. Not something I'd run often, but it worked for that event.
Last edited by hack; 10-17-18 at 09:28 PM.
10-18-18, 11:17 AM
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While I take your point, your numbers are bit off. Mount Washington averages 12%. I reckon no one races that on a standard. I ride whiteface on a standard crank 10-15 times a year, but the gradient hardly varies a degree or two from 8%. though most folks I see riding it have compacts. Again, a lot of it has to do with the type of races one does, and the style in which one races. If you have a short punchy 15% section, yeah you can muscle over it with momentum. If it's extended and you're suited to higher cadence one might prefer lighter gears. If you're doing mainly flat races, or RRs without serious climbing it's mostly a non issue. I know lots of guys with 53x11s, and not a lot of guys who can effectively use them at the end of a crit for a solid placing. I used my 11 the sprint, but generally it was when I lacked popped at the end of the race to get on top of an easier gear.
I don't want to be in my 11. I don't even like the 12 that much for a similar reason.
10-18-18, 11:50 AM
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The jest being:
I can't believe someone uses a compact in a race...
or
I can't believe that someone doesn't realize that people might use a compact in a race and actually asks about it...
Clear as mud. Especially the bit about the replies.
I can't believe someone uses a compact in a race...
or
I can't believe that someone doesn't realize that people might use a compact in a race and actually asks about it...
Clear as mud. Especially the bit about the replies.
10-18-18, 01:49 PM
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Another example I took to be in jest (maybe I'm wrong?)
Originally Posted by rubiksoval;
Do they? I don't think so. 52/36, sure, but not a 50/34.
10-18-18, 04:00 PM
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