Originally Posted by
jfmckenna
Actually 42T was the norm in the 80's. Usually 52x42 - very common.
While 42 tooth was around, I don't think it was necessarily the norm...
I have had several bikes from the 80's and they mostly have had a 39 tooth small ring. Except for those marketed to racers and racer wannabes, especially bikes targeted to triathletes.