Originally Posted by
John E
Stronger chains, cogs, and chainrings made reduced tooth combinations feasible, although even today, for a given ratio, more teeth will mean greater driveline longevity.
...After 50+ years of experiments in "gear phreaking" and 100K+ miles on the road, I have concluded that, for me, a top gear in the mid 90s to very low 100s, with a corresponding top cranking speed of just over 30mph/50kph, is perfectly adequate.
Yes, of course a bigger ring's bigger radius means less tension in the chain thus less wear on chain and teeth. But the best longevity technique is not to ride at all!
I rode this 51.5 miles yesterday. Its crank is 47-42. I used the 47/14 (~90 inches) combination exactly twice. I certainly did not need anything higher.
