NJWheelBuilder

Hello there!
I'm currently running a 53/39 chainring combo with a 12/27 cassette. I typically push the 53-19 gear on the flats (I tend to favor higher RPM's). I'd like to move my normal gear selection more toward the middle or top of the cassette. I'm thinking of swapping my big ring for a 50T chainring. Is anyone out there running this combo? How is it? Any reason I should not do this?
My interest does not lie in getting lower gears. I could get a different cassette or a compact crank. Its more in getting more usable gearing in the middle of my gear range.

Thanks.

FarHorizon

I'd like to do the same with my Campy Centaur cranks. What cranks do you run and does the manufacturer (or any aftermarket maker) make 50t chainrings?

NJWheelBuilder

FSA makes a 50T with 130mm BCD. I'm running the FSA team issue crank. I'm having a hard time finding that particular ring on the web, but I'm sure my LBS could get it for me. Its about $45.
Glory cycles lists them:
https://www.glorycycles.com/fsaroch.html

53-11_alltheway

It's too bad Shimano doesn't make a 13-27 cassette. Actually, you could make one if you wanted to.



You would need a 13T top position and a 16T (if we are talking about a 9s cassette)

50T chainring works also though.

iowarose

I'm just getting this setup (will pick up bike today) done at my LBS. The ring (50T 130BCD) is by Sugino and I paid a little over $30 for it via LBS.

The 53 tooth ring was worn out and I'm now living in much hillier country than before. I've also moved towards higher cadence pedaling. I'll post again with my impressions of the new setup.

ggg300

i got a 50/34 and I have had 52/42 and 53/39 set ups. IMHO it is more about getting a custom cassete than the ring up front. https://sheldonbrown.com/k7.html#9cassettes

At least kick around the idea a bit and if you e-amil Mr. Brown he will e-mail you back. See what he can make for you.

Good luck, do what ever works.

Trogon

I'm riding a 50/39 Record crank. I did it because I was losing 3 full cogs due to chainring rub when riding in the 39. The 50, being that much smaller than a 53 got me the #2 and #3 cogs back.

I really don't miss the 53 at all. 50x12 is plenty for me.

jabike

On my touring bike I have gone to something more extreme for climbing hills with a full load. I went to a Campy Chorus 12/25 cassette and a triple 28/38/48 crank. Loaded, the 48/12 is more than I ever need. I like the spacing between cogs on a standard 12/25 10 speed.

Don Cook

I've done it and so have others in this area. It is a quick and cost effective way of moving you high chainring range over one sprocket in the back. There is a small loss at the topend. The mph range for a 53 ring and 12-25 cassette is 14.9mph to 31mph (90rpm cadence). The speed range for a 50 ring and the same size cassette is 14.1mph - 29.3mph.

ispoke

I recently considered this exact issue for my wife's bike. 53/39 and 12/27. The problem is that when you choose a 50T big ring, there is much more redundancy with the 39T small ring. With your 53T big ring, when it's time to drop down to 39 you have 3 easier gears for getting up hills. But with a 50T big ring, your 39 only has 2 easier gears left. The other gears on the 39 are more or less redundant with similar combos on the 50T. So that change alone is a bit wasteful.

You're best going compact (double or triple), perhaps 36/50 or 34/48. Use Sheldon Brown's online gear calculator to evaluate exactly what gears you use today, and how the change would benefit you. In addition to all the high dollar models, you can get a decent price on a Sugino XD-600 (compact double or triple) at www.yellowjersey.org. I recently bought the XD-600 triple. It's elegantly finished, lighter than Ultegra triple, and forged in Japan for strength.

As discussed above, Sheldon sells individual cogs and it may allow you the best range of gears to match the compact crank. That said, he's out of stock on some loose cogs so your options might be slim...

Dr. Bill

I recently did exactly that! I picked up a Salsa 50T chainring (130 BCD) and installed it on my Ultegra crank. My goal was to make the big ring more useful since I rarely used the 13 and 12 cogs with my 53. Worked like a charm! The Salsa ring should be available from your LBS for under 30 dollars. Hope this helps.

I've sprinted with this setup at up to 38 mph, so I don't thing the loss of top end is a major problem.

Dr. Bill

Applehead57

[QUOTE=53-11_alltheway]It's too bad Shimano doesn't make a 13-27 cassette. Actually, you could make one if you wanted to.


I'm running a 12x28 that I combined from a 12x25 & 11x28. Works just fine.

NJWheelBuilder

Tell me more. Are there any problems? Do you seem to change gears more often to find what you are looking for?