Originally Posted by
ColonelSanders
I've currently have a triple, but often find that changing between the rings on the front is never as smooth as I would like and I want to reduce the issues of cross chaining, without always having to be so diligent about it on a triple.
It just boggles my mind that it is so hard to get a crank with a 48/32(or there abouts combo), married to a 11-34 or 11-36 rear cassette.
Such a setup should appeal to so many "hybrid" and general bike users, that it is ludicrous that one can't readily get parts for this, without having to go to a hell of a lot of work.
And my complaint isn't just about finding a crank that will do this, but having the range of shifters and derailleurs available that people who choose a 38/26 crank would have.
Shimano offer a 40/28 as we speak, but that is being phased out for a 38/28, so they are not even holding the line, but actually going backwards.
If youre waiting for them to release a mountain crankset with two teeth difference from their road crank, you might be in for a long wait. They are expanding their city and commuting ranges though.
A stock 50/34 is two teeth away from what you want. Couldnt you just run a 12-36 with this combo?
I find that "small" chainrings work great with modern 11t cassettes. A 42/32/24 triple with 11-26 will make for a very wide range drivetrain with small gaps between shifts.
I have a 46/34 11-30 on my "road" hybrid which I find adequate. Ive probably used the 46x11 for like a whole minute the past year and the 34x30 is quite low for climbing on roads and light off-road.
Shimano`s newest SG-X rings shift like nothing before - they are truly great. The complaints of poor front shifting are gone with the latest Shimano high end triples. Cross chaining is not a major issue. Try to avoid it by shifting properly but its no big deal if you ride it for a little while.
Anyways, the aftermarket still exists. A good solution would be a 46/30 with 11-32