changing gear ratio?

josh_exell
josh_exell Posts: 8
edited August 2009 in Road beginners
i fnd that in my highest gear 50 x 12 im not pushing hard enough on flat. is it possible to stick a bigger chainring on my 36t compact ring such as a 53t or 56t? i dont really know much about compatibility and how the shifters would cope. and if it would fit on my existing inner ring im currently running truvativ elita rings.

cheers

Comments

  • pompeypoppy
    pompeypoppy Posts: 182
    What's your cadence in such a gear on the flats?
  • josh_exell
    josh_exell Posts: 8
    ahhi dont have a clue can i only find this out with a cadence monitor gadget thing?
  • Mister W
    Mister W Posts: 791
    Your options are to pedal faster (this is the best and cheapest option), change your cassette so you've got an 11 instead of a 12 or change your big ring to something bigger. The only problem with the last option is that your front mech may not cope with a bigger jump between the two rings. Check the Shimano, Campag or SRAM website to find out what size difference the mech can cope with.
  • pompeypoppy
    pompeypoppy Posts: 182
    josh_exell wrote:
    ahhi dont have a clue can i only find this out with a cadence monitor gadget thing?

    You can, or you can cycle and time your number of revolutions (cadence) over a cetrain number of seconds to find out your revs per minute.

    If you are cycling at less than 90 revs a minute I would suggest increasing that, which is free, rather than shelling out on gear.

    In a 50/12 gear you should be looking at a speed of about 29 MPH or 46/47 KPH at 90 revs.
  • josh_exell
    josh_exell Posts: 8
    woah im nowere near that i dont think mybe i should increase my rpm. il test it today and see what it is cruising on flat. what is a normal cadence for maximum efficiency?
  • sherer
    sherer Posts: 2,460
    unless you are spinning out i.e you reach a speed where turning the pedals no longer has any affect, they I don't think you need to change parts just yet.

    I have a 50-12 and can get up to about 35mph before I spin out
  • pompeypoppy
    pompeypoppy Posts: 182
    josh_exell wrote:
    woah im nowere near that i dont think mybe i should increase my rpm. il test it today and see what it is cruising on flat. what is a normal cadence for maximum efficiency?

    that is linked to each individual based on their strength vs cardiovascular system.

    Personally, I find 85-90 is best for me, but looking to push this towards 100 through training in the winter.

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