thanks for the insight treefox. why would a 53/23 hurt the chain? im usually 52/19-23, mostly 21, i just strive for 18+ mph on average during my races.
i hardly drop into the 39 chainring even during climbs, i just push through. probably cause i dont climb too much. i do use the 39, but its with the harder lower gears, never up in the 25.
however, the ironman 70.3 i will participate in will have 1,200 ft in elevation rise, so i want to be prepared for it. so basically, cant go wrong with a 12-25? im leaning towards a 12-23, just hope i wont regret it.
Originally Posted by
Treefox
If you're usually in the large chainring and 21,22, or 23 in back, you're probably in the wrong gear most of the time - - and in 53/23 you'll probably be wearing the chain.
If you're finding that when using the 53/12, you need to go further down, then you could get an 11-25.
If you're having trouble on hills even when in the 39/25, you could get a 27-12.
If you never ever ever use the 39/25 (viz. if you never ride on notable hills), and would fancy being able to fine-tune things to get just the right gear a little bit better, you could get a 23-12.