burnthesheep wrote:
.. Also, at 85rpm it would be a ripping tail wind to get out of being able to use a 50T ring.
...
I don't think bike manufacturers are THAT naive either, they do have marketing and research as well as feedback from common human users all the way up to the pros. They didn't just run out to the warehouse and slap on whatever.
I'm afraid you've got it all wrong by calculating everything based on the max speed in the 11 cog.
My goal is to avoid the tiny cogs altogether and ride on the 14 cog most of the time. It is much more efficient from a chainline and chain bend perspective. If I'm using the 11 much, I figure my chainring is too small. For many races this year, I didn't use the 11 or 12 at all.
50X14 gives you only 25mp at 97rpm. 54X14 only gives you 27.
I'm not sure I can explain exactly why, but you're less likely to drop a chain with a larger chainring.
There is a reason Grill and all those smart British TTers are using 57 and 58 chainrings.
My latest book: "Out of the Melting Pot, Into the Fire" is on sale on Amazon and at other online and local booksellers