Originally Posted by
Trakhak
Even cheaper, and you can start today - avoid using the smallest rear sprocket with the middle or small chainring. For greatest small-sprocket life, shift to the large chainring rather than always going to the smallest rear sprocket.
In other words, instead of riding around mostly in the small in back, use the middle sprockets in back and the large chainring.
reminded me that on my first road bike 52 years ago I spent much time in a 45x14 - about an 88” gear.
when I started racing I was shocked to learn that the Maximum gear I could use was a 44x14. 84.9”
took some adjusting to that.