50 x 19 vs 34 x 13......ever stuck deciding whilst out riding???
12-25-14, 10:38 PM
#26
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I think this stuff might hit folks who have a broader variety of terrain. For example.....in So Cal, the 3 different groups I ride with are doing anything from ridiculous climbing, to moderate climbing, to gradual climbing, to rolling flats, to dead-flats and everything in between all of those variables.
Then, on Tuesdays we do crit practice & chase eachother at pretty high speeds in a 1.25 mile loop for about 45 minutes which is a whole 'nother animal entirely.
Combine that with the search for whatever combo will help keep you from getting dropped in such environments and you find yourself paying attention to what gears serve you well and what possible gear combos might help further.
Maybe not everybody's thing but for me, the pondering is also part of the fun of biking.
(shrug)
Then, on Tuesdays we do crit practice & chase eachother at pretty high speeds in a 1.25 mile loop for about 45 minutes which is a whole 'nother animal entirely.
Combine that with the search for whatever combo will help keep you from getting dropped in such environments and you find yourself paying attention to what gears serve you well and what possible gear combos might help further.
Maybe not everybody's thing but for me, the pondering is also part of the fun of biking.
(shrug)
12-25-14, 11:01 PM
#29
Farmer tan
12-25-14, 11:04 PM
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12-26-14, 11:14 AM
#32
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I guess I don't have a numbers-focused brain, but I am always mystified by how focused on their specific gear combinations so many people seem to be. I couldn't tell you at gunpoint what gear combination I spend the most time in. No clue at all, except that it's on the 53 chainring and maybe 1/2 to 2/3 down the cassette (in the direction of the lower gears). I read about how much someone loves their 16 cog, and a bunch of folks chime in to agree strenuously as I scratch my head in bewilderment.
This is not a criticism, cause it takes all kinds. But I just ride without thinking about which gear I am in too much except when it gets too high or too low. And I leave it in the big ring until I run out of gears, at which point I switch to the small ring. So, no, I'm never stuck deciding between two gear combinations out on the road and can't even imagine myself in the shoes of someone who might be.
This is not a criticism, cause it takes all kinds. But I just ride without thinking about which gear I am in too much except when it gets too high or too low. And I leave it in the big ring until I run out of gears, at which point I switch to the small ring. So, no, I'm never stuck deciding between two gear combinations out on the road and can't even imagine myself in the shoes of someone who might be.
12-26-14, 11:18 AM
#33
Farmer tan
I'm with grolby on this one. Never really know what gear I'm in, unless it's one of the extremes on the cassette.
12-26-14, 11:35 AM
#34
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If the pedaling is comfortable, I stay in the gear I'm in. If the pedaling is too easy, I switch to a harder gear. If it's too hard, I switch to an easier gear - unless I don't have one. Then I stand up. Hope that helps.
12-26-14, 11:39 AM
#35
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Ya, I know but since my 11-25 cassette doesn't have an 18, I always feel like it's "over the river & thru the woods" to go from 17 to 19. (Believe me, I often ride up our group ride climbs behind a guy who loves to do 50x25 and I always wince when riding behind him at the chatter I hear but he's a Cat3 & his is the Dura Ace version of my bike so I figure it's his money)
Still, I like seeing the 50 x 17 cog alignment better than the 19 and as I said in this case, the 34 x 13 is definitely a more quiet combo than 50 x 19.
Still, I like seeing the 50 x 17 cog alignment better than the 19 and as I said in this case, the 34 x 13 is definitely a more quiet combo than 50 x 19.
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