Due to limited budget, my TT bike is a bit of a Frankenstein, put together with parts bought here on ST. This got me to thinking: What is the effect (power wasted) on having mismatched equipment?
As an example: Running a SRAM 9 speed crank, with an ultegra 10 speed cassette, using a 9 speed chain. What is the net power wasted? Do the dimensional offsets impact drive train efficiency? I would have to think that using a 10 speed crank with a 10 speed cassette with a 10 speed chain is ideal. But how much am I really giving up? Is there that much of a difference (due to increased friction or spacing differences with the teeth engaging the chain) using a 10 speed vs. 9 speed chain?
As an example: Running a SRAM 9 speed crank, with an ultegra 10 speed cassette, using a 9 speed chain. What is the net power wasted? Do the dimensional offsets impact drive train efficiency? I would have to think that using a 10 speed crank with a 10 speed cassette with a 10 speed chain is ideal. But how much am I really giving up? Is there that much of a difference (due to increased friction or spacing differences with the teeth engaging the chain) using a 10 speed vs. 9 speed chain?