pavalon12

I just got a SRAM red standard crank for $150 and running a 11/25 cassette. I'm having trouble keeping a steady cadence that I had with my previous compact crank. Does anyone have any advice on how to train with this crank? Do i need to go on a diet to make this work? I'm 160lb and 5'4". I also ride in Austin, TX with a few hills on my rides.

chasm54

No, you don't need to go on a diet.

Assuming the crank is properly installed, you should have no more diffculty training with it than with your compact. The only difference is that you have higher gear ratios so you'll find that very steep hills might be more of a struggle. On the other hand, you'll be able to sprint faster - if you're strong enough.

My guess is that you just aren't accustomed to the "feel" of the gearing. But for most purposes, if you experiment a little, you'll find that you can find a gear that is pretty much identical to the one you selected on your compact for an equivalent speed. Just get used to it, you'll be fine.

pavalon12

Thanks. I'll start riding it more often then.

Carbonfiberboy 

My guess from your short post is that you find this crankset and cassette combination makes your gearing too high. 39 X 25 will be noticeably higher than 34 X 25. A 11-28 or 12-30 cassette will be close to your old gearing, the first a little higher, the second a little lower.