Yamabushi
Maximum Pace
- Jun 1, 2010
- 2,335
- 188
Since I started proper road cycling two years ago, I've been riding a full size 175mm, 52/39 crankset, and most of that time with a 12-28 cassette. I admit I initially bought into the "real men" ride full size cranks rhetoric. That being said, overall it's been a reasonably ride-able setup, allowing me to claw my way up nearly everything I've attempted. For example, I made it up both the notorious Mikuni-toge and Kazahari Rindo without any stops or breaks.
Keeping all that in mind, I am nearly decided that I would be better served by moving to a compact crankset. The issue as I see it is that I'm not able to maintain my optimal cadence on the steeper sections. I have to drop down into the 40's on especially steep sections, when I'd really like to be in the 60's or higher. I end up mashing and not really using my cardio enough. I'd like to try a compact 50/34 with my current 12-28 cassette. I believe that would allow me to maintain a more ideal cadence through a wider range of climbs. I believe Alan is running something similar. If it turns out that I really never use the 34/28 combination, then maybe I'd go to a mid compact set up giving me the easiest gearing of 36/28. Regarding crank length, I've been very happy with 175mm but may move to a 172.5mm. I expect that would be a near imperceptible change. In summation, based upon my math and my gut instinct, I think a 50/34 with a 12-28 cassette would allow me to maintain the optimal balance of cardio vs muscle (grunt) on most climbs.
So now I ask, what are you riding? And, what feedback and/or input can you share?
Keeping all that in mind, I am nearly decided that I would be better served by moving to a compact crankset. The issue as I see it is that I'm not able to maintain my optimal cadence on the steeper sections. I have to drop down into the 40's on especially steep sections, when I'd really like to be in the 60's or higher. I end up mashing and not really using my cardio enough. I'd like to try a compact 50/34 with my current 12-28 cassette. I believe that would allow me to maintain a more ideal cadence through a wider range of climbs. I believe Alan is running something similar. If it turns out that I really never use the 34/28 combination, then maybe I'd go to a mid compact set up giving me the easiest gearing of 36/28. Regarding crank length, I've been very happy with 175mm but may move to a 172.5mm. I expect that would be a near imperceptible change. In summation, based upon my math and my gut instinct, I think a 50/34 with a 12-28 cassette would allow me to maintain the optimal balance of cardio vs muscle (grunt) on most climbs.
So now I ask, what are you riding? And, what feedback and/or input can you share?