Hi everyone,
Just wondered when you guys are getting into the big ring? Is it speed related or just a chain alignment thing?
Or something else?
I have a 48 big ring(cycle cross bike) now and looking for more of a road gear set up. I never cycle cross and should have maybe bought a road bike.
But none the less …curious on the gear question.
For me, it is usually around 20mph where I switch into the big ring.
I like the feel of the big ring more than the small and even though it’s probably all in my head, I hate cross tension
For me, it is usually around 20mph where I switch into the big ring.
I like the feel of the big ring more than the small and even though it’s probably all in my head, I hate cross tension
Purely situational. Whenever I am on a downhill or flat where I know I can sustain 20+, i jump into the big ring. If Im on hilly terrain, I skip it and just go as big as I can in the back.
(Thats what she said)
Hi everyone,
Just wondered when you guys are getting into the big ring? Is it speed related or just a chain alignment thing?
Or something else?
I have a 48 big ring(cycle cross bike) now and looking for more of a road gear set up. I never cycle cross and should have maybe bought a road bike.
But none the less …curious on the gear question.I think it is more of the something else. Type of terrain is very important. Hills versus flat versus rolling. Personal style (mashers vs. spinners)and gearing also have an effect. For me it’s big ring (53 t) probably 99+ percent of the time. I ride rolling terrain at average speeds of 20-22 mph. Don’t worry about chain line either. Modern drivetrains are designed to be able to run in the cross chain gears. In fact it may not even be an accurate term these days.
…why dont we head on over to namby pamby land and get you some big ring self confidence ya jack wagon!
Never take it off the big! Love it, learn it, ride it. Crush dreams with it.
For me, what ring I use depends on the terrain. Apart from the obvious, if its an isolated shorter hill I’d likely stay in the big ring even if I’d shift on the same hill if it’s in a series. Although my road bike had a compact with a 28-11 cassette, so I can get moderate climbing gears even in the big ring.
Other than that it depends on my level of motivation.
Usually sometime after your nuts develop.
Usually sometime after your nuts develop.
;)I love the funny posts as well as the technical ones. Looks like I’ll spend more time on the big one. Maybe I’ll step up to the 53 from my 48 tooth. Only sometimes it rubs on the from derallieur?
I’m always in the big ring. The small ring is for steep climbing.
Currently always. I only have a 53 carbon aero ring. I run and 11-25 in case I have to climb or push into a big wind.
Bikes come with small rings? Hmm, learn something new everyday
Same for me.
jaretj
Sometime in the middle of March. It would be sooner but there’s usually snow on the roads.
“the big ring” is one of the most mysterious bits of bike lore.
it is nothing but another gear, one that varies in size from bike to bike.
you get it in when you need it to keep your preferred RPM at your current speed. that is it, nothing more. There is no special skill in “pushing a big gear” or “spinning a small one”
300 watts at 10mph in a tiny gear is exactly the same as 300 watts at 30mph in a big gear
just one of those situations is downhill and one is up, or with the wind and the other against. your legs do not care about the gear multiplication going on.
Exactly.
When you’re in the little ring, and a small cog in back, you’re in a good position to downshift, should the riding get harder.
You can be in the big ring, and a big cog in the back, and have the exact same gearing. You’re now in a better position to upshift, however.
Really, what matters is what gear you came from and where you expect to be soon - otherwise they’re the same.
When you’re in the little ring, and a small cog in back, you’re in a good position to downshift, should the riding get harder.
You can be in the big ring, and a big cog in the back, and have the exact same gearing. You’re now in a better position to upshift, however.
Really, what matters is what gear you came from and where you expect to be soon - otherwise they’re the same.
Exactly, which front ring you’re in is irrelevant except for anticipated changes. Generally its probably a good idea to stay as close to the middle of the freewheel as possible so you’re ready for anything.
+1
.
Exactly, which front ring you’re in is irrelevant except for anticipated changes. Generally its probably a good idea to stay as close to the middle of the freewheel as possible so you’re ready for anything.
Exactly, and for some one to even ask the question implies they do not understand the concept of the gears on a bike. What combination you are in is more about what is coming up next then what you are currently doing. On a 20 speed bike there are at least 2 combinations and sometimes 3 that will give you about the right gear ratio. Which one you choose depends on where those combination are in the cassette and what you intend to use next.
when your right hand can no longer make ya go faster, use the left hand
when the right hand can’t make it any easier
use the left hand
when neither hand can make it any easier, fall over
.
Except that it may not be that simple when attacking or responding to an attack.