So I've been messing with Excel trying to do the math to figure out better gearing. I live in what can be a very hilly area. I am looking for a better balance of gearing, especially at the low (BIG GEAR) end for descending. I can't ever make up any speed on big downhills, since I can't push the watts I want while spinning 120+ rpms.
I currently use either an 12/23 or 12/27 (10spd) casettes depending on terrain. Race cadence (1/2IM) averages 95-100. Usually I'll sit in that 95-105 range.
I've considered the 11/23 or 11/21 option, but I know that Kraig Willet did some drivetrain analysis that says that gears smaller than 14t tend to significantly increase drivetrain friction, and it also seems that 11/23 gives up the 16 which I really like, and 11/21 is not going to be great for going uphill.
So I'm wondering, is a 55/42 a better option for me (still paired to my 12/23 or 27) than a 11/21 or 11/23? Seems the 55/42 with those cassettes gives a better range than using the 11/21 or 23 with my 53/39.
And before anyone suggests it, I do NOT want a compact. I had one. I did not like it.
I have the watts to move a 55/42, but I feel like I ride pretty high cadences, and that might seem to go against conventional wisdom for this set-up.
Price for a 55/42 pair is basically the same as a 11/21 (or 11/23) cassette, so that is not a deciding factor.
"Non est ad astra mollis e terris via." - Seneca | rappstar.com | FB - Rappstar Racing | IG - @jordanrapp
I currently use either an 12/23 or 12/27 (10spd) casettes depending on terrain. Race cadence (1/2IM) averages 95-100. Usually I'll sit in that 95-105 range.
I've considered the 11/23 or 11/21 option, but I know that Kraig Willet did some drivetrain analysis that says that gears smaller than 14t tend to significantly increase drivetrain friction, and it also seems that 11/23 gives up the 16 which I really like, and 11/21 is not going to be great for going uphill.
So I'm wondering, is a 55/42 a better option for me (still paired to my 12/23 or 27) than a 11/21 or 11/23? Seems the 55/42 with those cassettes gives a better range than using the 11/21 or 23 with my 53/39.
And before anyone suggests it, I do NOT want a compact. I had one. I did not like it.
I have the watts to move a 55/42, but I feel like I ride pretty high cadences, and that might seem to go against conventional wisdom for this set-up.
Price for a 55/42 pair is basically the same as a 11/21 (or 11/23) cassette, so that is not a deciding factor.
"Non est ad astra mollis e terris via." - Seneca | rappstar.com | FB - Rappstar Racing | IG - @jordanrapp