Originally Posted by
Barrettscv
My Sram crankset came with 46t & 38t. It's very usefull except for loaded touring. I was never using the 38t in Chicago, so I took it off. I ended up with a 44t since the chain-ring guards require this size or smaller.
Michael
I have a 44 on my Trek 850 smooth tire MTB, works great for most everything. Wouldn't be very good for keeping up with a skinny roadie club ride though.
I think the lesson might be the gearing is a very personal and situation specific thing and 53 tooth big rings are better left to mountain decents and TDF level riders. I'm with you on the cadence... 105 to 110 is a good spin.