Originally Posted by
SteveA
If I can only fit up a 36t I probably won't make the change - as I don't think that a 2 tooth change will make enough difference to be worth the cost and time.
In my experience, it DOES make a difference, and the cost and time is pretty minimal.
I had a 50/36 crankset (Truvativ Rouleur) and replaced it with a 50/34 (Shimano FC-6650) when some teeth broke. I preferred the 36T small ring on the old crankset because I didn't need to shift between the chainrings so often. I got a 36T FSA chainring (under $US 30 on ebay) to install on this new crankset next time I replace the cassette (running 12-23 now but prefer 12-25 with the 36T small chainring).