Originally Posted by Psimet2001
That's exactly what I do...and it's causing me my problems. I end up in cross chaining heaven. I can't seem to be able to use the 50X23 for sure, and possibly the 50X21. Means that I end up having to dump to the 34 for no reason - the 50X21 and 50X23 would have worked.
Alright. You've ridden with me a few times. We did a whole century around Kane County and I stayed in the 50 that whole ride. I am pretty conscious about not crosschaining, so that meant 8 gears for that whole ride. on the 12-27 cassette that meant not going to the 24 or 27 teeth. Granted there was little to no wind and you know about all those vicious climbs in the area.
Conversely, I rode on Sunday entirely in the 34 on purpose. My legs were sore and needed to just spin. I've got the 11-23 on the new wheel, so that meant using pretty much the middle 6 of the cassette. But we were on a MUP and not really going fast, so it was all good.
Your commute has a few steep hills, right? I think once you get the route ridden a few times you'll know when you need to move from 50 down to 34, but for the most part will keep it in the 50.
Stay with the compact for a while. Give it a chance and you will come to appreciate the range. The last part of your commute home is uphill.... remember that.