Originally Posted by
Caliper
But, I gotta ask, as a fellow 2x fan, why drop the big ring to 46 if the small ring is 33? Why not 48/33 or even see if the FD can handle 50/33. I've always preferred to keep the chainring tooth count as far apart as practical for the best range.
I like the Sram Eagle cranksets more than I like any of the 12 speed cassettes currently available. I use a 46/33, it provides speed range that tops out in the 30-35 mph range. I generally coast when the bike gets above 30 mph on gravel. I've hit 45 mph on gravel, but I was descending, no pedaling needed.
With a 33 & 46 crankset, a 11-36 Sram eleven speed cassette and 700x40 tires a 100 rpm cadence is good for about 34 mph. A steep 4.5 mph climb can be done with a 60 rpm cadence. That's a good range for me.