Originally Posted by
Hatsuwr
That's essentially what my results come down to, although with that added point that the middle ring use is going to be (roughly) most effective when using the 15/17/20/23 rear gears, in my specific situation. Also don't use the large/small ring on the wrong side of that range. Personally, I'd go up or down one for short bursts if I'm not planning on using the small or large ring anyway. Should be more efficient and have less wear by not doing that long term though.
I think you're on the right track. I don't worry as much about the wear because I'm commuting and the stuff gets thrashed anyway. The logic of the little ring climb, middle ring cruise, big ring descend keeps you out of those weird combinations anyway. FWIW, my drivetrain is 24/32/38, 11-13-15-18-21-24-28. I basically only use the 13,15,18, and 21t cogs at all, and the little ring barely gets used. I'd like to switch to a 22/32/42 crank as the jumps on the 24/32/38 are a little "soft".