Originally Posted by
Al1943
Then your crankset BCD is probably 130 mm so the smallest inside ring you could use would be a 38, not a big enough change to bother with.
I'd be surprised if your big ring is a 54, more likely a 52 or 53.
It seems your plans for using a cassette with a bigger cog is the best plan. Another alternative would be a compact crankset, but I don't like 50 - 34 cranksets because of the big 16 tooth gearing jump. And a 34 is too small for most riding.
130 mm is correct...Also you are right on the large chain ring. It is 53 not 54. I live her in Salt Lake City, there are a lot of hills and canyons to ride up. My friend who races says that a 39 x 24 should get me up most hills...But thats easy for him say. I think I am going to look at replacing the hub and cassette. I would like an 11-28 in the back.