Originally Posted by
PeteHski
The problem with that approach is when you also want low gears at the other end of the cassette. Then the bigger chainring compromises your climbing gears. Like for example I run a compact double 50/34T with an 11-34T cassette. But if my smallest rear sprocket was 14T, I would then need a 64T chainring to get the same top gear. But I also want a 1:1 climbing gear, so that means I'm going to end up with some ridiculous 64/34 chainset or more likely a massive rear cassette - something like a 64/48T front with 14-48T rear. Does that sound like a good idea?
I dont see why anyone would need anything more than a 50 or 52t front ring even if your cassette is only 13 or even 14t . How much of a daredevil are you to carry that much speed on the downhills?