Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,286
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From: Lake Geneva, WI
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Originally Posted by
djconnel
I think the XX looks like a fantastic option for the road. Consider the 30-45 in front with an 11-32 in back provides a top gear equivalent to a 52/12.7. That's plenty big for century-type rides: at 120 rpm this is 61 kph. Beyond this may as well coast anyway. 50 rpm @ 30/32 = 1.64 m/sec, which at a 20% grade = 1180 meters/hour, which is still a considerable effort (consider Contador climbed Verbier @ 1860 meters/hour). @ 15% it's still 885 meters/hour, around 3 W/kg. So nothing wrong with those gears on a road bike.
I agree, but I would use a road compact with 46t & 34t to keep cost down. Even for loaded touring a 34t Chainwheel & 32t rear cog offers low enough gearing.
Michael
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