If I am running a compact 52/36 crankset and decide to replace the outer chainring with a 53, will there be any problems with shifting? Considering it is SRAM Apex front derailler and 11-28 cassette.
it could make the shifting unreliable yes. It may also be hard to find good chainrings in that size for compact cranks.
52x11 not enough? =)
Thank you for the help Jackmott. Im too new to the sport to determine if 52/11 is enough. 
I embarrased to admit it but, the change in chainring is purely for aesthetics. I found a SRAM Red chainring in black that looks waaay better than the current FSA chainring in silver. I assume I need to stick with a narrower difference? i.e. 53/39 instead of 53/36? Yes…I am a NOOB.
Compact is 110BCD and 53T rings are usually for a 130BCD setup. There are 53T 110BCD rings, I would highly recommend that you use a 38T inner ring as this will help and aid in chain pickup.
Here is a site that might work for you: http://www.cyclo-club.com/products/item97.cfm
The chainring you found probably won’t fit anyway.
I would highly suggest you stick with 52/36, you should be able to find some SRAM red chainrings in that size too!
52x11 is enough gear to win bike race field sprints on, should be plenty enough for any triathlon!
Thank you for the help Jackmott. Im too new to the sport to determine if 52/11 is enough. I embarrased to admit it but, the change in chainring is purely for aesthetics. I found a SRAM Red chainring in black that looks waaay better than the current FSA chainring in silver. I assume I need to stick with a narrower difference? i.e. 53/39 instead of 53/36? Yes…I am a NOOB.
The chainring you found probably won’t fit anyway.
I would highly suggest you stick with 52/36, you should be able to find some SRAM red chainrings in that size too!
52x11 is enough gear to win bike race field sprints on, should be plenty enough for any triathlon!
Thank you for the help Jackmott. Im too new to the sport to determine if 52/11 is enough. I embarrased to admit it but, the change in chainring is purely for aesthetics. I found a SRAM Red chainring in black that looks waaay better than the current FSA chainring in silver. I assume I need to stick with a narrower difference? i.e. 53/39 instead of 53/36? Yes…I am a NOOB.
52 x 11 at 90 rpms is just under 35 MPH, which should be fast enough, isn’t it? 30 MPH is pretty much national class.
Might not be enough to beat Cav.
52 x 11 at 90 rpms is just under 35 MPH, which should be fast enough, isn’t it? 30 MPH is pretty much national class.
52 x 11 at 90 rpms is just under 35 MPH, which should be fast enough, isn’t it? 30 MPH is pretty much national class.35mph isn’t going to win too many sprints but most sprints are started at 90rpm so a 52x11 is more than enough unless it’s a downhill/downwind finish.
Thank you all for your insights. I suppose I will stick with the 52/36. You folks make 30 mph sound so easy. 90 rpm at 52/11? simple