Bicycle Mechanics - Road bike needs new chainring

Her is my problem, I ride a Giant OCR that came stock with a 52t large ring. The cassette's smallest is 11t. I want to put a 56t ring on but the front derailer, because of the mount it is on, will not allow it to be moved high enough to fit the larger ring. I tried the 54t but I can still out spin the cranks compared to the wheel on long flat roads or decents. Other then a new bike, any one have any good suggestions?
Slainte:beer:

What cadence do you spin out at? Maybe you need to practice pedalling at a high cadence.

How tall are you and what size cranks are you using?

56 is really meant for 650c wheels. You can sometimes fit smaller cogs than 11, but it puts a lot of stress on the transmission with so few teeth.

Since I do not have cadence on my computer, I am not sure. When I use a trainer or stationary bike I usualy get my cadence to 115 to 120 so I have some idea as to how fast I am spinning. Also, my speed is in the mid 50's when I start to not be able to keep up with the cranks.
Slainte:beer:

You can outspin a 54x11 combo?
man you GOT LEGS.
I might be able to do that on downhill, but on
the flats? no way.

Marty

I don't know of cogs less than 11.I think Lance would like to talk to you.How about longer cranks?

If you really do have the power to spin out a 54/11 on the flat, then the use of longer cranks would be to turn a higher gear at the same cadence. Cranks are part of the gearing system as well as being part of the ergonimics/fitting.

You can't fit a higher gear to your bike, unless you ditch the front mech and turn your bike into a 1x9speed. 9 gears should be enough for a rider of your power
If you want a higher chainring than 56 then get a custom Egg chainring from

http://www.argonet.co.uk/highpath/cycle_/eggs.htm

Their largest size is 110 tooth.

I will be surprised to see a 10T cog. Even the 11 required some compromises and design adjustments, including redesign of the Shimano freehub. The diameter just gets too small.

There used to be a 3rd party 9t cog that replaced the lockring.

If you really do have the power

I have found that it is not the power but how fast you can get your pedals around hence the term spinning. When I used to play football I used cycling to increase my leg speed so I learned to spin fast rather then power through it.
Thanks for all the input. Granted I can only out spin it for 1 maybe 2 min. but I always try to see how fast I can go. So is there no way I can stay with a double up front? I do like to relax every now and then especialy on group rides other wise I burn my legs out.


How tall are you and what size cranks are you using?

I am 6'2" and use a 170 crank. I guese I could try a 175.
Slainte:beer:

The standard top gear in the Tour de France is 53/11. If that is not enough for you, just go with the 54/11. Replacing a 54 with a 56 would drop you from 120RPM to 116RPM, a subtle difference.


--- I must be doing something wrong, since the traditional 52/14 combination is a tall enough top gear for me.

Out spinning a 54x11, did you ever think of joining the pro ranks?
Most pro teams are looking for good domestiques.

Hey Knifun, I heve now were nere the endurance to try racing at this point. I can only out spin the gearing at the most for 2 min. on a good day on the flats but I am wiped out after and would be no good to any sort of team after that. I just do it to see if I am able to and I like to see if I can best my top speed.
Slainte:beer:

When I first started riding, I could barely turn the 53x14. As I got more strength, I was able to spin this gear and turn the 53x13. I remember the 53x12 was near impossible. Now I can pretty much turn (not spin) a 53x11 on flats. I know how difficult these bigger gears are to spin. One Note: I built up to these bigger gears over years of riding and racing. If you are just beginning, you will blow out your knees turning that monster gear. Anyway, most are not able to turn your top gear, and if you are able to spin for a couple of minutes, you can easily build this to even longer - you are at the top of your field. In Bicycle mag about 6 months ago, someone asked the same question to George Hincapie, he said basically the same thing, "if you can spin a 55x11 on the flats, go look for a pro team to join" :p

Because of my powerlifting back ground, pushing big gears is not a problem. It is the muscle endurance I lack. I plan to do alot of training on the road this winter along with increasing my running so hopefully by next year I will be able to spin at a higher cadence for a longer period of time. I will also be giving road race a go.
I found a local club full of good folk that range from beginer to expert riders. I am not sure how the catagories are set up for road racing but the guys in the club said they will help me out.
I have always been a solo rider so riding with them should be fun.
Slainte:beer:

Sounds like you got a good plan.
Have fun!