I should have known when you referred to 'smaller' ring (as opposed to 'smallest')!

On a technical matter, what is the guideline re the use of the large crank ring and the large rear cogs. On my three front crank set-up, I avoid the two largest rear cogs (in vague belief that this reduces stresses/strains on the drive mechanism). But some people advise me I am being unduly conservative


On a different topic, the weather was great in this part of the world last weekend and despite the family trip to Stratford I managed to get in a 32km ride on both Saturday and Monday mornings.