Changed to compact: Will I miss the high gear?

DrKJM
DrKJM Posts: 271
edited May 2012 in Road beginners
I have just swapped my Campagnolo standard for a compact chainset as there was one fairly cheap on ebay and I am hoping to do the coast to coast later in the year. I've swapped over the parts, taken two links out of the chain and lowered the front mech. A quick test ride tells me that all seems ok, but I have a 26-13 cassette. I notice most compacts come with a 25-11. I'm not a racer, so will I miss the smallest cogs? I can't think that I will but are there any circumstances I may not have considered? Thanks.

Comments

  • dodgy
    dodgy Posts: 2,890
    A bike with 175mm cranks and a 700c x 23mm wheel/tyre combo, the following speeds will be achieved at 90rpm (cadence) in the biggest gear

    Compact chainset 34x50 with 13 at the back = 27.1mph
    Compact chainset 34x50 with 11 at the back = 32mph
  • DrKJM
    DrKJM Posts: 271
    Fantastic, thanks. I think realistically for me that's a 'no'.
  • klep
    klep Posts: 158
    DrKJM wrote:
    Fantastic, thanks. I think realistically for me that's a 'no'.
    And if it does you can always get yourself an 11 cog. Shouldnt be a problem :)

Categories