Notices
Cyclocross and Gravelbiking (Recreational) This has to be the most physically intense sport ever invented. It's high speed bicycle racing on a short off road course or riding the off pavement rides on gravel like : "Unbound Gravel". We also have a dedicated Racing forum for the Cyclocross Hard Core Racers.

CX gearing...is this ok?

Old 10-22-08, 10:22 PM
  #1  
Banned.
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,548
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
CX gearing...is this ok?

I'm running a 44/38 with a 12-27 cassette. too short? too tall? just right? it seems fine...so far...

just curious what you guys think a good, versatile cx bike generally run...
celerystalksme is offline  
Old 10-22-08, 10:38 PM
  #2  
Acquiring new target....
 
carlfreddy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 1,276

Bikes: Trek XO-1, Gary Fisher Rig

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I've a 46/38 and 12-25 or 12-27, depending on wheels/course. I suspect the 46 is too much gear for me, but I'll have to wait until next season to put a 44 on.
carlfreddy is offline  
Old 10-22-08, 11:11 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
sfcrossrider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 2,760

Bikes: Steelman eurocross, Surly CrossCheck, IRO Rob Roy...

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I run a 42 single with an 11-30.
sfcrossrider is offline  
Old 10-22-08, 11:13 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Sunny Tampa, Florida
Posts: 1,542
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 101 Post(s)
Liked 49 Times in 41 Posts
I'm running a 48-39 because they're cheap, readily available when I was looking and the 48 is only there for road work with a tailwind.
Ronsonic is offline  
Old 10-22-08, 11:34 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
FigBug's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 111

Bikes: Glacier Team Ice, Cannondale XR800, Rocky Mountain Hammer Race, Specialized Big Hit Comp, Fuji Track Pro, Burley Tosa, Fiori Roma

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I have a 48-39 with a 11-30. I never use the big ring.
FigBug is offline  
Old 10-23-08, 04:59 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
socalrider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: La Verne CA
Posts: 5,049

Bikes: Litespeed Liege, Motorola Team Issue Eddy Mercxk, Santana Noventa Tandem, Fisher Supercaliber Mtn. Bike

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times in 7 Posts
48/38 with an 11-28
socalrider is offline  
Old 10-23-08, 06:25 AM
  #7  
Beefcake the Mighty
 
rdubbz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Scumdogia
Posts: 591
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
compact double here. 34-50 with a 12-25.
rdubbz is offline  
Old 10-23-08, 06:34 AM
  #8  
Banned.
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,548
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by rdubbz
compact double here. 34-50 with a 12-25.
wow...do you ever use that 50?
celerystalksme is offline  
Old 10-23-08, 06:39 AM
  #9  
Beefcake the Mighty
 
rdubbz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Scumdogia
Posts: 591
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by celerystalksme
wow...do you ever use that 50?
not often. i don't race, this is my commuter so maybe going down a big hill. I also find the low gears to be great when i'm riding up big hills offroad with my MTB friends.
rdubbz is offline  
Old 10-23-08, 07:48 AM
  #10  
jack of one or two trades
 
Aeroplane's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Suburbia, CT
Posts: 5,640

Bikes: Old-ass gearie hardtail MTB, fix-converted Centurion LeMans commuter, SS hardtail monster MTB

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
44 with a 12-28. Haven't had any muddy races yet this year, I don't think I've even gone into the bottom 3 gears.
Aeroplane is offline  
Old 10-23-08, 08:03 AM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Washington DC
Posts: 962
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
42/34 with a 12-23.

I don't usually shift the front when racing, I just pick one and leave it.
same time is offline  
Old 10-23-08, 08:05 AM
  #12  
Señor Member
 
myclem's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Seattle
Posts: 196

Bikes: Motobecane Immortal, Van Dessel Gin & Trombones, Rawland Stag, Bianchi SASS

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I've noticed a lot of CX bikes come stock with compact 50/34.
Does anyone even race with this setup? Are they just marketing to the all-rounder/commuter?

I have a 50/34 laying around and I was thinking of swapping my 50 to 44 for my dedicated race bike I'm building. Do you think I should go 46 instead? Is there a big difference?
myclem is offline  
Old 10-23-08, 12:58 PM
  #13  
Soma Lover
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Logan, UT
Posts: 765

Bikes: one bike for every day of the week

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by socalrider
48/38 with an 11-28
ditto here. 48 doesn't get used when racing though.
cachehiker is offline  
Old 10-23-08, 01:40 PM
  #14  
Senior Member
 
adamt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 427
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
single for me. 42T 12-27


I suppose a 39 would work just as well. I had the 42T spot sitting at home.

Last edited by adamt; 10-25-08 at 01:38 PM.
adamt is offline  
Old 10-23-08, 02:51 PM
  #15  
cycle-dog spot
 
DinoShepherd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 1,538

Bikes: Look, Niner, Ellsworth, Norco, Litespeed

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Single 44 with 11-32

It does everything from fast roadie training rides to C/X races.
DinoShepherd is offline  
Old 10-30-08, 10:49 PM
  #16  
More cowbell!
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
48/36 with a 12-27

i only use the 48 on a hard packed flattish course
it came with the crank so it stays for now =]
SgunnarW is offline  
Old 10-31-08, 11:15 AM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Athens, Ohio
Posts: 5,104

Bikes: Custom Custom Custom

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
I run 46/36 with a 13-26. I generally dont use the 46. I've noticed this year racing that I could probably go single ring and run a 42.
nitropowered is offline  
Old 10-31-08, 11:35 AM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
adamt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 427
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
nitro

I was in the same boat. do it, you will never go back to that double ring set up.

Now I just wish I could justify it on my road bike!
adamt is offline  
Old 10-31-08, 05:12 PM
  #19  
M_S
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,693
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I can't imagine needing a biger gear than 42 x 12 for our local courses, but in muddy conditions sometime syou can park the chain in the upper part of the cassette and just shift the fornt more reliably than the rear. Your gearing sounds pretty good.
M_S is offline  
Old 11-10-08, 05:20 PM
  #20  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Posts: 146

Bikes: Ibis Cousin It converted to a drop bar dirt road cruiser, True North Ti Tandem, garage full of half bikes

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 28 Post(s)
Liked 10 Times in 3 Posts
Those of you with single chainrings, what cassettes are you using? I'm going to lose the front shifting and am looking at the IRD 12-30 with a 39 up front. How does it shift compared to Shimano stuff? I'm running a 12-25 right now and never need big ring and only occassionally wish for an easier gear. Are there any other manufacturers of 10 spd shimano compatible cassettes?
bikeinxs is offline  
Old 11-10-08, 05:36 PM
  #21  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 531
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
40t single with 11-28 9s cassette.

1x9 on my geared mtb as well (34t with 11-34 9s cassette). I'm a strong advocate of the 1x9 setup. It's simpler, lighter weight, and with smart gear selections, can cover just about anything.
FKMTB07 is offline  
Old 11-10-08, 06:09 PM
  #22  
blithering idiot
 
jhota's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: beautiful coastal South Carolina
Posts: 1,263

Bikes: 1991 Trek 930, 2005 Bianchi Eros, 2006 Nashbar "X," IRO Rob Roy

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
i don't race, but: 48/38 with 12-25. i only use the 48 riding to and from trailheads.
jhota is offline  
Old 11-10-08, 09:23 PM
  #23  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 1,331

Bikes: 19 Look 765 Gravel RS, 18 Cervelo C5, 13 Niner Jet9 RDO, 08 Surly Crosscheck, 05 Serotta Fierte

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Wow - I'm very unique. I don't race - just ride my cross bike on gravel roads, simple trails, nothing too technical. Anyway, I have triple front 48/36/26, and a 12-27 cassette in the back. I'm not that fit, almost middle aged, and found the 26/27 very useful two days ago as I rode up a gravel hill...
Unagidon is offline  
Old 11-10-08, 09:46 PM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
MONGO!'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,279
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
I had a 46/36 with a 12/25 in back.
I put a 34 on instead of the 36 for more range (mostly for my wife, she races on my bike too)

When cross season is over I'll probably put a 50 on the front for road riding.
MONGO! is offline  
Old 11-16-08, 06:01 AM
  #25  
Senior Member
 
CICLISMO_URBANO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Los Angeles,CA United States
Posts: 51

Bikes: 1984 BATTAGLIN

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
wow... i see a lo of low gearing.. so a 53/44 front and a 12-25 in the back would work? or no?
CICLISMO_URBANO is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.