Old 07-12-12, 04:30 PM
  #2  
Al1943
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Oklahoma
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Bikes: Trek 5500, Colnago C-50

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You won't need an 11 cog with either a 53 or a 52 big ring.
The cassette that will work with you best depends primarily on where you plan to ride, the terrain and wind conditions. Your strength is also important.
I have 20 years of experience on road bikes. I ride various conditions, hills and wind. not mountains. All of my cassettes start with a 13. Mostly I ride with 53/39 chainrings and a 13-26 cassette. Sometimes I wish I had a lower gear. You really don't need a 12 cog unless you are spinning out the 52-12 combination at 120 rpm, or so, cadence on level ground. A 52-12 at 100 rpm is good for at least 34 mph. If you are traveling faster than that down a steep hill you can gain more speed by getting your body in a good aerodynamic tuck.
The 52/39 combined with a 12-26 needs a 27 tooth wrap capacity derailleur to be on the safe side. So you're good. (52-39) + (26-12) = 27

Last edited by Al1943; 07-12-12 at 04:52 PM.
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