Cyclocross - Best Cyclocross/commuter chainring options...

Hi all,

In speaking about this Xcross build, I got to thinking about what my best chainring options may be.

I need some advice.

I currently have a 52t 42t with a 12-25 cassette. I'm wondering if that is going to be too taxing as a cyclocross setup.

I will be riding offroad some, and probably more as I get used to the bike. But for now it will be a commuter.

What would be a good setup for the chainrings for both worlds? I do have a 11-32 (I think) cassette as well. I was thinking 44 or 42 for my large ring.

What would be a good suggestion for the small ring? and should I run the larger cassette? Any suggestions?

Thanks!

I used to run 42 x 12-27 for cross racing and it worked well. If I couldn't ride it in 42/27, I'd just hop off and run. For commuting and longer off-road rides, though, you'll want a lighter gear. If you have a standard road crank, 38t is the smallest ring you can use. Also, make sure you're rear der can handle the gear range you want. FWIW X stands for "cross" so Xcross means "crosscross". CX = cyclocross, XC = cross-country (i.e. mountain bike).

For my CX racer (Cannondale CX9) I have 39 & 46 as my front rings. The cassette changes depending on course. For my commuter (Poprad) I run a 39 & 48. My commute is about 20 mile RT and I usually have 2 panniers full of crap.

In Atlanta, I would run a 50 & 34 compact with a 12-27.

Here in Chicago I use a 46 & 38 standard with a 11-23.

I've got a 46-36 with a 12-27 on my commuter. The hill up to my house (15-20% grade, but only 1/4 mile) is a bear with this, but everything else works well. For racing last year, with this same crank, I used a 13-25 cassette except on courses that I knew had long climbs. This year, I'm thinking I'll probably go 1x10 with a 38T, 36T or 34T ring, depending on the course.

I commute on 48/36 & raced on 42 single. This year will be racing on 44/38.

FWIW X stands for "cross" so Xcross means "crosscross". CX = cyclocross, XC = cross-country (i.e. mountain bike).

:eek:

Thanks flargle! :o Yeah I know, I need to learn all the cool CX terminology before I get to learn the secret handshake! :D

I commute on 48/36 & raced on 42 single. This year will be racing on 44/38.

What 44 ring are you planning on using? I've been close to buying a thorne but wonder if I really need shift pins etc. I have an old 43t Shimano that I used last year that is actually an inner ring and it worked OK.

Well, It looks like I will be running a 48/39. Since I'm only running a 9speed, I was a little limited in options. There is just about anything you want out there, but it's not cheap.

I will still have the cassette options for commuting or CX.

Thanks for the help!

48/36/26 with a 10 speed 12-27 cassette. It works out great for me. YMMV.

Just upgraded to a 39 and 12-26. Works great. Last fall I was running a 34 and 11-21 (not ideal probably, but it worked fine).