Triathlon - Compact Crank/12-27 Cassette (Cross Posting)

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Cyclingmaniac
10-10-06, 03:18 PM
Need some advice! Will I be wasting time getting a 12-27 (10 sp) cassette with a compact crank set? Advice, experience, or thoughts on this kind of a set-up?

I'm modifying the road bike for triathlons. Training rides and courses are hilly with some long climbs. One course is a 9% grade with a small section at 12%. I'm a "larger" cyclist with the time clock seeming to tick faster and faster that has some "difficulties" with hills! (Hmmmm size might be one issue!) I know I have several alternatives including:

1) Only go down hill
2) Avoid the hills altogether
3) Loose weight (which I'm doing already)
4) Change the bike set-up (cassette and cranks)

I'm opting for choices 3 and 4! The fun really begins after you have crested the hill! Downhill is a kick . . . but, ya gotta climb the hill first!

THANKS for your CONSTRUCTIVE thoughts and suggestions!

spiderbike
10-10-06, 08:09 PM
if your getting a compact crank I wouldn't think that you would need anything bigger than a 12-25 cassette...maybe your LBS will let you try it out
superdex
10-10-06, 08:24 PM
As long as the 50/12 isn't going to hold you back, I don't see why not?

28105
10-11-06, 08:14 AM
I have used that combo on hilly rides with long climbs and it worked great.