Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Road Cycling
Reload this Page >

What size Big Ring on your double?

Notices
Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

What size Big Ring on your double?

Old 02-04-14, 08:11 PM
  #26  
Senior Member
 
mprelaw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Posts: 2,318
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Main bike: 50/34 and 11-23.

Beater/winter: 52/40 and 13-28 (6 speed freewheel).
mprelaw is offline  
Old 02-04-14, 08:46 PM
  #27  
C*pt*i* Obvious
 
SHBR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 1,337
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 596 Post(s)
Liked 53 Times in 44 Posts
46T X 11-32T

26X1.0 tires.

How fast do you people ride that you need such tall gears?

I spin at 100RPM average cadence which allows for 30MPH top cruise speed, with sprints up to 35MPH in high gear.

There are no hills in Shanghai.
SHBR is offline  
Old 02-04-14, 09:12 PM
  #28  
Banned
 
BoSoxYacht's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: take your time, enjoy the scenery, it will be there when you get to it
Posts: 7,281

Bikes: 07 IRO BFGB fixed-gear, 07 Pedal Force RS

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by Clipped_in
A 50t ring has a 110 bcd, and would not be compatible with a standard 53t 130 bcd crankset.
Really? So I'm not running a 50t big ring, on my 130mm bcd Ultegra 6600 crankset?

That's news to me.
BoSoxYacht is offline  
Old 02-04-14, 11:53 PM
  #29  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 215
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
53 /39 because that's what the bikes came with

12-22 on both bikes. But one bike is a 10 sp triple with a 30. The other is 9sp.

I can treat the gears as hi range, low range, and can find what I need somewhere in the middle.

While I am not exceptionally fit, I live in a place with modest hills, just enough grade to knock it down / up a gear or two. But going south rolls more with shorter but steepish hills and I can use the 3spd, especially against the wind.

Last edited by rdtindsm; 02-04-14 at 11:56 PM.
rdtindsm is offline  
Old 02-05-14, 12:13 AM
  #30  
Farmer tan
 
f4rrest's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Burbank, CA
Posts: 7,986

Bikes: Allez, SuperSix Evo

Mentioned: 38 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2870 Post(s)
Liked 28 Times in 23 Posts
50/39 12-26.

I like the close spacing of the front (it's like a cog and a half) and am OK with the low cadence needed on steeper grades.
I miss a 50 11 gear on descents and in tailwinds though.
f4rrest is offline  
Old 02-05-14, 01:13 AM
  #31  
Senior Member
 
BigJeff's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 563
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
53/39 11/28

I desire taller than 53/11. Maybe 54 or 55.... but I also want 177.5 or 180mm cranks or better.



39/28 is "almost" 34/25... lower is unnecessary for now.
BigJeff is offline  
Old 02-05-14, 02:47 AM
  #32  
Banned.
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Pompertuzat, France
Posts: 70

Bikes: Lots

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
OP, you live in Florida. Don't waste cash. Stick with what you got.

Also, no comments on the 60 x 11 Mercier?
KlingOn is offline  
Old 02-05-14, 03:34 AM
  #33  
Senior Member
 
I <3 Robots's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: So Cal
Posts: 1,657

Bikes: Cervelo S2, Workswell 062, Banshee Spitfire

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
52/36 11-28
I <3 Robots is offline  
Old 02-05-14, 07:27 AM
  #34  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Apopka, Florida
Posts: 1,476

Bikes: Santa Cruz Stigmata

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 202 Post(s)
Liked 30 Times in 20 Posts
Originally Posted by BoSoxYacht
Really? So I'm not running a 50t big ring, on my 130mm bcd Ultegra 6600 crankset?

That's news to me.
Praxis doesn't offer a 50T in a 130 bcd but shimano does.
dvdslw is offline  
Old 02-05-14, 08:06 AM
  #35  
Banned
 
BoSoxYacht's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: take your time, enjoy the scenery, it will be there when you get to it
Posts: 7,281

Bikes: 07 IRO BFGB fixed-gear, 07 Pedal Force RS

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by dvdslw
Praxis doesn't offer a 50T in a 130 bcd but shimano does.
True, what about Stronglight?
BoSoxYacht is offline  
Old 02-05-14, 09:27 AM
  #36  
Senior Member
 
99Klein's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Lincoln Nebraska
Posts: 1,088

Bikes: 99 Klein Quantum, 2012 Cannondale CAAD10 5, Specialized Tarmac Comp, Foundry Thresher, Fuji Sportif

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 98 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
This is sort of like asking what seat should you put on your bike. It's a very personal choice. We're pretty flat here in Lincoln Ne and 53/39 with a 12-27 works well here for me. If I did any serious climbing, I'd probably want a triple (not really a climber) but would give a compact a try for sure. I'm pretty sure I'd appreciate a compact if I road in Omaha as it gets hilly there.
99Klein is offline  
Old 02-05-14, 09:49 AM
  #37  
Speechless
 
RollCNY's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Central NY
Posts: 8,842

Bikes: Felt Brougham, Lotus Prestige, Cinelli Xperience,

Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 163 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 39 Times in 16 Posts
What seat should I put on my bike?
RollCNY is offline  
Old 02-05-14, 11:26 AM
  #38  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Apopka, Florida
Posts: 1,476

Bikes: Santa Cruz Stigmata

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 202 Post(s)
Liked 30 Times in 20 Posts
Originally Posted by RollCNY
What seat should I put on my bike?
The one that fits your ass!
dvdslw is offline  
Old 02-05-14, 07:16 PM
  #39  
Senior Member
 
lennyparis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Long Island
Posts: 664

Bikes: 2017 Tarmac Pro, 2014 S-Works Tarmac, 2011 Trek Madone 6.2, 2014 Trek Madone 5.9 & 2009 Specialized Hardtail

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 28 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by Bah Humbug
I use a 50/36 and 12-27. The relatively wide cassette allows me to stay in the big ring on rolling hills while the 36x27 combination is good for climbing ugly hills. The 50x12 top gear is shorter than common, though. This also allows a 14t gap in the front, which aids shifting.I really don't get why this isn't more popular.
How did you get 50/36? I was thinking about this but either 53/39, 52/36 or 50/34 are only Shimano combos I know about.
lennyparis is offline  
Old 02-05-14, 07:27 PM
  #40  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Wilmette, IL
Posts: 7,318
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 746 Post(s)
Liked 718 Times in 347 Posts
What size Big Ring on your double?

I ride a 52/45 steel cottered crank with a 14-22 5 speed freewheel. Steel Huret Svelto derailleurs.
big chainring is offline  
Old 02-05-14, 07:37 PM
  #41  
Senior Member
 
furiousferret's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Redlands, CA
Posts: 6,313
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 842 Post(s)
Liked 469 Times in 250 Posts
50/34 and 11-25 Perfect range for the mountains and flats.
furiousferret is offline  
Old 02-05-14, 08:02 PM
  #42  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,853
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1067 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 259 Times in 153 Posts
56/39
Dean V is offline  
Old 02-05-14, 08:16 PM
  #43  
serious cyclist
 
Bah Humbug's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Austin
Posts: 21,147

Bikes: S1, R2, P2

Mentioned: 115 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9334 Post(s)
Liked 3,679 Times in 2,026 Posts
Originally Posted by lennyparis
How did you get 50/36? I was thinking about this but either 53/39, 52/36 or 50/34 are only Shimano combos I know about.
Well, Rotor offers it directly, but you can buy individual chainrings and put together whatever you want. Just get a 52/36 or 50/34 and swap the chainring you don't want. It's not like they're welded together.
Bah Humbug is offline  
Old 02-05-14, 08:20 PM
  #44  
Senior Member
 
lennyparis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Long Island
Posts: 664

Bikes: 2017 Tarmac Pro, 2014 S-Works Tarmac, 2011 Trek Madone 6.2, 2014 Trek Madone 5.9 & 2009 Specialized Hardtail

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 28 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
But then I have to buy 2 chainrings
Buy 52/36 and 50/34 to put together 50/36
What do I do with a 52/34?
Can you just purchase chainrings you want individually or are the crank arms attached to the large ring?
lennyparis is offline  
Old 02-05-14, 08:27 PM
  #45  
serious cyclist
 
Bah Humbug's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Austin
Posts: 21,147

Bikes: S1, R2, P2

Mentioned: 115 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9334 Post(s)
Liked 3,679 Times in 2,026 Posts
Originally Posted by lennyparis
But then I have to buy 2 chainrings
Buy 52/36 and 50/34 to put together 50/36
What do I do with a 52/34?
Can you just purchase chainrings you want individually or are the crank arms attached to the large ring?
Like I said, you can purchase them individually. If you do that you'll end up with an extra large or small ring. Might be able to sell it. Or, you can buy a crankset from a company that offers the 50/36 combination, but inner rings really aren't expensive, and outers aren't too bad either.
Bah Humbug is offline  
Old 02-05-14, 08:31 PM
  #46  
Senior Member
 
lennyparis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Long Island
Posts: 664

Bikes: 2017 Tarmac Pro, 2014 S-Works Tarmac, 2011 Trek Madone 6.2, 2014 Trek Madone 5.9 & 2009 Specialized Hardtail

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 28 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Last time I upgraded I was told by my LBS via Shimano you could not purchase individually
Crank arm is connected
If I can buy individually why would I wind up with any extra?
would just buy a 52 with crank arm and a 36
Thanks
lennyparis is offline  
Old 02-05-14, 09:15 PM
  #47  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Apopka, Florida
Posts: 1,476

Bikes: Santa Cruz Stigmata

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 202 Post(s)
Liked 30 Times in 20 Posts
There are a ton of Single Shimano Chainrings out there. I even found some Dura Ace rings on Walmart.com!
dvdslw is offline  
Old 02-05-14, 09:23 PM
  #48  
Beer >> Sanity
 
bikerjp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Colorado
Posts: 3,449

Bikes: 2014 Evo DA2, 2010 Caad9-4, 2011 Synapse-4, 2013 CaadX-disc

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Just a relaxing ride around the park.

bikerjp is offline  
Old 02-05-14, 09:45 PM
  #49  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: NZ
Posts: 3,841

Bikes: More than 1, but, less than S-1

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by bikerjp
Just a relaxing ride around the park.

Behind an old Zephr with a large shoe box duct taped to the boot. But, Tom certainly deserves La Sur Plaque Award.
__________________
Birth Certificate, Passport, Marriage License Driver's License and Residency Permit all say I'm a Fred. I guess there's no denying it.
bigfred is offline  
Old 02-06-14, 11:10 AM
  #50  
Senior Member
 
caloso's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865

Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur

Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times in 1,417 Posts
Originally Posted by lennyparis
Last time I upgraded I was told by my LBS via Shimano you could not purchase individually
Crank arm is connected
If I can buy individually why would I wind up with any extra?
would just buy a 52 with crank arm and a 36
Thanks
???

This is true for really cheap cranksets, like the kind you'd find at Walmart or Target, but not on a Madone. The chainring is mounted on the crankarm by five 5-mm hex bolts. The only tool you need to swap chainrings is a 5-mm hex wrench (although one of these is very helpful).
caloso 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.