52T v 53T chainring

weapons
weapons Posts: 367
edited December 2010 in Road buying advice
I am looking to build up a TT bike and was initially looking for a 53/39 standard double chainset. However, I can get a 52/39 at a much better price - would I actually notice the difference between a 52 or 53 tooth chainset?

Many thanks for your advice

Comments

  • fleshtuxedo
    fleshtuxedo Posts: 1,858
    No, don't think you would, it's a very small difference in the gear ratio.

    Save your money :)
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    I'd say the 52 was probably of more use.
  • Pokerface
    Pokerface Posts: 7,960
    Unless you ride TTs with lots of downhill sections, then you won't notice the 52 all that much.
  • SBezza
    SBezza Posts: 2,173
    You can always fit a bigger chainring on at a later date.

    I wouldn't personally go any lower than a 53 chainring, in fact will probably go for a 54 next year. You get a much better chain line in the gears you tend to use more.

    I would get the cheaper setup, and see how you get on. Depending on the courses you race on it could be perfectly fine.
  • SBezza
    SBezza Posts: 2,173
    Pokerface wrote:
    Unless you ride TTs with lots of downhill sections, then you won't notice the 52 all that much.

    Don't need downhill sections, get a good tailwind and I am in 53/11 on even the slightest negative gradient.
  • weapons
    weapons Posts: 367
    Excellent thanks all - sounds like the £40 difference is a lot to pay for one tooth! :D
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    That's nothing, I once paid £360 for a single tooth.
    I was bundling with our youngest son when he managed to smack me in the mouth, snapping a crown off at the gum. The remains of that tooth needed drilling out of the jaw, and the two adjacent teeth ground down to stumps onto which the neccessary bridgework could be attached.

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