Originally Posted by
Aaron_F
My 48T ring is getting close to death. Cheap ring--6061 AL--and the chain is gouging the teeth pretty bad. I decided to get a new ring (7075 AL) before it dies, but I couldn't find a 48T or 49T to replace it. I bit the bullet and ordered a 50T, so my gear inches will go up to 82.4.
50x16 in a hill city, but you only live once. If my knees don't assplode, I guess it'll only make me stronger.
You might find it stiff but your knees shouldn't explode if you take time to strengthen the muscles that stabilize your knees (ie, your quads). If you're going to be running this ratio, a couple times a week you should sit in a chair and extend one leg parallel with the ground and hold it as long as you can. Switch to the other leg and repeat. I used to get knee problems running 70GI, I run 78 now and have no knee issues whatsoever after building up my quad strength.