I believe that SRAM is offering up to a 52T chain ring for their CX model X1 crank-sets so the roadies can use them, but you will lose some of that bottom end that folks are looking for with those groups, in most cases. RBA did a build of a road bike using an X1 Force group, they said that the limited chain rings then (50T) turned them off to the concept of a single ring road bike, now with the 52 you may well be happy. Best of luck with your research.

Bill

50 or 52 is for a true road bike and should be on flat terrain. I'm looking for a bike that can do some road climbing and some trails. The Cannondale Super X comes with a 40T chainring and a 11-28 cassette. I think if I put a 11-32 i'd be OK with the hills. Only problem is the bike comes with a "short" cage and i'd need a medium to fit a 11-32 or a 11-36. I price a new RD and cassette and I can get both for $150. I'll see if i can workout a credit on the unused parts and if not... i'll try them and see if they workout. Between myself and my son, we can always use a spare 11-28 cassette.

I'm enjoying the research, i've learned a lot. But expect riding it will be more fun.

In the meantime, i'll just have to suffer and ride my Emonda.

Well... it's done. Just got back from the LBS and after a lengthy discussion, i purchased a Cannondale Super X Rival 1. The shop agreed to swap the 11-28 cassette and short cage RD with a 11-32 and medium cage RD. Also I'm getting 32mm tubeless tires installed for road use and can sway the stock 35s for when i want to hit the dirt.

And I got it all and out the door for less than the list price.

Not bad, just gotta wait for it to arrive.

Hopefully you verified it's the right size this time.

I ride a 56, my 2 'fits" confirm that i need a 56. The bike is being ordered and they ordered a 56. If it's wrong, it's not my problem.

BTW, my son was over this weekend and showed my how to measure a frame. He said that all 56s are not the same.

That is a good idea. I've found that doing this is like earning interest. When I buy my wife something nice, she begins urging me to not be stingy with myself.