Originally Posted by
anyroad
Ok guys and gals since I am not all that savvy regarding gear ratios. On my 2015 Giant Anyroad 1 it came with a Shimano HG62 11x34, 10-speed Cassette and a Shimano R460, 34/48 Crankset. Now for 2016 they have changed to a 34/50 Crankset. I know only 2 teeth larger on the big boy but my question is does this make much of a difference in the big skeem of things and why do you all think they might have made this change? opinions are of course fine.
Makes almost no difference. The only difference is, a big gear of 121 gear inches for the 50 tooth chainring vs. 116 gear inches for the 48 tooth chainring. At 90 rpm cadence, that is the difference between 32.5 and 31.2 mph. Other than going downhill, how many riders can maintain a speed like that for any length of time? For my money, I would prefer if the bike companies offered the option of a 34/46 or even 32/42 cranksets. IMO, this type of crankset is better suited for the kind of riding the average recreational cyclist actually does.
BTW, congratulations on your Anyroad. It looks like a fine bicycle.