Bike Forums - View Single Post - How to buy a good road bike

08-21-08 | 02:46 PM

#13

Beaker

moth -----> flame

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 5,919

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From: SF Bay Area

Bikes: 18 Tarmac SL6, 11 CAAD 10-4, 07 Specialized Roubaix Comp, 98 Peugeot Horizon

Another suggestion for the groupset part -- triple vs compact double vs standard double choice. In the spirit of helpful feedback, here's my clumsy attempt. Keep up the good work MrCrassic

Chainring/Crank selection

Consider a triple (typically 50-53T big ring with a 39T and 30T middle and inner chainring) or compact (typically 34T inner chainring instead of the 39/30) if you're a noob, or live where you have some serious hills to climb. If you live in the flatlands or are a strong/experienced cyclist go for a 39T as your smallest ring in a double. Changing your mind afterwards can be expensive, esp if you decide to switch between triple and compact double.

Also if you need to fine tune your gear ratios, it's a lot easier and cheaper to switch out the cassette on the rear wheel if you need lower gears (more teeth on the back). For a good way to compare gear ratios for different crank and cassette combinations check out Sheldon Brown's online calculator at http://sheldonbrown.com/gears/

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