Chainring size change.

mcp73
mcp73 Posts: 94
edited June 2011 in Road beginners
I'm new to road biking, but have been a MTB rider and commuter for years. I have picked up a secondhand road machine with Shimano Ultegra throughout. The chap who had it previously lived in a very flat area and has a 53/42 set up on the front. Given that I live in the Peak district and ride there a lot, I was wondering what options were available for me to fit either one or two smaller-toothed chainrings?
Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Comments

  • cyco2
    cyco2 Posts: 593
    You most definitely need 3 rings with a medium block. But you may get away with what I used in XC. A 48x38 front and wide rear. I can climb a 16%, 1 in 6 I believe with 42 x 26 but I am old and would get bored and start wondering from one side of the road to the other a technique that can be very confusing for motorists. Especially when the climb has blind bends on it. Also, this gear is far to high to do a hill start after an age related pee ,so I do a right angled track stand on the side of the road and go for it. I do love climbing and have now to think of better ways. I found my friend had the best idea, a 3 wheeler, because he can stop and have a rest or go as slow as he likes. :D
    ...................................................................................................

    If you want to be a strong rider you have to do strong things.
    However if you train like a cart horse you'll race like one.
  • colsoop
    colsoop Posts: 217
    You should be able to find 50 - 39 chainrings for that crankset. straight forward swap although the cost may be close to that of a good used set of cranks.

    Another option may be a compact crankset with 50 - 34 chainrings.

    Or as mentioned above a triple. This will be the most expensive option as you need the cranks and a new shifter to shift on to the extra ring up front.

    which option is suitable will depend on your cycling, routes and fitness.
  • Matt the Tester
    Matt the Tester Posts: 1,261
    im looking to get a 63 toothed front ring for my TT bike lol... with 11spd on the back lmao
    Coveryourcar.co.uk RT Tester
    north west of england.
  • bompington
    bompington Posts: 7,674
    +1 for the bigger cassette - when I bought the Rusty Raleigh it had a good old 52/42 wih 12/23, I ground my way up a surprising number of hills with gritted teeth and purple face until I replaced the cassette with an 11-28: problem solved instantly. Sram apex is available at something like 11-32 if that's not enough.
  • mcp73
    mcp73 Posts: 94
    Thank you to everyone for the replies. My budget's somewhat limited, but I think perhaps a new rear cassette might be my cheapest immediate option; the 11-23 on it at the moment is not Peak friendly on this bike! 11-28 sounds much more incline-friendly!
    Thanks,

    Martin.

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