I'm in the process of upgrading my road bike from 8 to 11 speed, and while searching for parts, I came across a good deal (ETA: not half price, but at 2/3 of list price) for a new FC-5800 52/36 170mm crankset
I would be hesitant to use it for the road bike (currently 170mm 50/34 front, 11-28 in back), as when not in peak shape, I need easy gears for climbing (and I want to keep the cassette ranges the same across bikes for easy wheel swaps).
However, it could be great for the TT bike (currently 172.5mm long 50/34 front, 11-28 back), and I could swap the current TT crankset to the road bike (assuming no issues with cornering etc.)
TT bike with 170mm 52/36 pros:
cons:
Thus I think it buying the 52/36 is a good choice.
Is the above reasoning sound? Or I'm overlooking something? Thanks!
I would be hesitant to use it for the road bike (currently 170mm 50/34 front, 11-28 in back), as when not in peak shape, I need easy gears for climbing (and I want to keep the cassette ranges the same across bikes for easy wheel swaps).
However, it could be great for the TT bike (currently 172.5mm long 50/34 front, 11-28 back), and I could swap the current TT crankset to the road bike (assuming no issues with cornering etc.)
TT bike with 170mm 52/36 pros:
- on the dumb trainer with virtual power, I'm happy for the larger small ring
- when racing, I'm usually in rather good shape, so not worried about climbs (had done my favorite climb with 42x28 after my A race last year, and set a PR)
- a more open hip angle can only be good as I understood it
- currently I'm averaging ~95 cadence in races, so going a bit lower shouldn't be a problem
cons:
- even in races, I'm riding using the middle of the rear cassette rather than the small cogs, so it could be an overkill
Thus I think it buying the 52/36 is a good choice.
Is the above reasoning sound? Or I'm overlooking something? Thanks!