Replacement chainrings for compact chainset

zoid

Hi,

Need to decide on a groupset to get a build completed by the LBS, I'm considering Campag from Veloce up to Chorus but really trying to decide if I should go for a compact or standard.

Current bike is old and has 42/52 chainrings, while I use the inner ring allot I don't tend to use the 52 much, I mainly cruise along on the flat and then push hard on the climbs. On the new build I really like the idea of a 50 outter chainring but I'm a little concerned that the standard 34t inner will be too small and I'll end up having to change gears allot more than I currently do.

However what I was thinking of doing is going for a compact and purchasing a larger non-standard replacement inner chainring, say a 36t or 39t for example...
http://www.chickencycles.co.uk/index.php?cat=32&ord=2

I think a 39/50 would suite me well and then I still have the 34t chainring to use should I for example want to take the bike abroad and tackle some mountains.

Does this sound like a sensible plan, the campag marketing spill talks about X.P.S.S. eXtreme Performance Shifting System™ chainrings which are specially treated, and would I notice any difference using a non standard replacement, any one done this or have any feedback for me?

Any advice greatly appreciated!

crankycrank

I had the same concern after switching from the 39/52 combo I've been using for years. Turns out I love it and will be sticking the 34/50. Yes, there is a big jump when shifting beween chainrings but it's not really an issue. I'm more of a high cadence rider and a little on the slow side. With the 39/52, I was using a 27/12 with the 12t rarely used and only for when going down long, steep hills. Since you say you have a 42/52 I'm assuming you have less than a 10 speed cassette now. With the compact and say a 12-25 or 12-27 you'll be able to stay in the large chainring on the flats combined with more and closer ratio gears and still have the luxury of very low gears for just about any climb with the 34. I find that when having to stop and start frequently in traffic, staying in the 34 ring works perfectly. You can always make a note of what gears you use most and compare on a gear chart what cog sizes are roughly equal with a compact setup. http://www.machars.net/bikecalc.htm All personal preference of course but many riders like their compacts.

nmcgann

zoid wrote:

Hi,

.....On the new build I really like the idea of a 50 outter chainring but I'm a little concerned that the standard 34t inner will be too small and I'll end up having to change gears allot more than I currently do.
......
I think a 39/50 would suite me well and then I still have the 34t chainring to use should I for example want to take the bike abroad and tackle some mountains.

That combination of 39/50 with the option of swapping the inner ring for a smaller one is a very flexible setup.

I didn't get on with a 34T inner ring in the areas I ride (flat-ish) - it added quite a bit of gear shifting front and back which was annoying. Changing to a 38-39T inner ring fixed that problem.

dennisn

I would go with a 36-50 and a 12-21 rear since your rides are flatish and maybe buy a 34 or 33 for the front and a 12-27 rear if you head for the mountains.
I doubt you will notice anything really "special" about the X.P.S.S. chainring. Well, maybe the price is "special". More than a few component makers out there with good quality,
resonably priced replacement rings.

Berk Bonebonce

After doing loads of miles with my chain never on my 52 ring, I've just ordered a new compact chainset. It's 34/42.