Originally Posted by
djlarroc
Thanks for the info. I've been looking on CL and ebay for a few weeks. I've seen the chainrings for sale, but I think might as well get the whole set, so I can sell the standard.
Is 12-28, the biggest you can go on Shimano 53/39? I believe so, from the threads I've skimmed. Then, I think I've seen some people run a Sram cassette?
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=669790
I will say, I've never really used on 53x11 other than to test it out. There just hasn't been that kind of terrain here where I can just fly on that gearing. What is the top speed of that gearing before you spin out? 45-50 mph?
I have been on the 39x25 quite a few times.
Sram makes their Apex cassette that goes to 32 or 34 but I am not sure if a Shimano DR will handle it. Maybe someone here an chim in on that. If you are climbing the rockies, Sram Apex might be a good idea or a triple. I have a triple and I plan on going to a compact because I can ride in the 50 about 98% of the time so I will only need to use the small chain ring when I climb a really nasty hill. I have Campy and they make a 12/29 and a 12/27 and I will go with one of these two cassettes.
There are after market companies that make cassettes that will go larger than 12/28 on Shimano, if your cassette can handle. The link below states that they have gotten 11-30 cassettes to work with Shimano short cage drs (click on the FAQ).
http://www.interlocracing.com
Click on short cuts and cassettes. I tried copying the link into this post but the link failed.