Thread: Compact Cranks
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Old 02-28-11 | 01:17 PM
  #38  
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merlinextraligh
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Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike

Originally Posted by ProudDaddy
Personal preference I'd say. Living in the Rocky Mountains there are times I wish I had a compact. However, I'd be lost without my 53x11, particularly in races. Hammering down a mountain with a 53x12 you spin out against guys with a 53x11. I just use an 11x26 cassette to have the extra low gear.
I'm really not sure that's true if you have a good spin. 53x12 at 140 rpm is 50mph. At that speed you're getting to the point where you have to put out an awful lot of watts for a very marginal increase in speed.

Better approach often is to push hard at the top to accelerate quickly, and by the point you're geting into the high 40's tuck in, and recover.
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