39-52T or 42-52T double crank

[rogermo]

I'm building my first recumbent, taking my time, and learning as I go. I guess it would bw call a lowrider recumbent. the frame was a Labent by LaDue. I don't have lots of money to invest in it so, it will be a 12 speed, 39-52T double up front, and 13-34 mega-range in the rear with old thumb shifters. Which will give me a nice cheap recumbent. What is the difference between useing a 42-52 crank over the 30-52 crank. Thanks for any information Roger :)

[sch]

Depends on your terrain and conditioning. 42x34 is a fairly low gear for a DF bike but only middling for a bent. If you are a strong rider and there aren't much in the way
of hills: say northern Illinois or Florida central and south, or parts of central Tx then
it would be more than adequate. Hillier states might do better with the 30t or you could spring for a triple on the front. Steve

[N_C]

Why not a triple chain ring? That will give you even more of a range. Say for instance a 30-42-52T.