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Opinions please - 52/36 SPECIALIZED TARMAC 2013?

southeastcyclistsoutheastcyclist Posts: 7
edited September 2012 in Road buying advice
Hi

Seen loads of great info on here so signed up to learn more.
I am looking to spend up to @£1800 on a new road bike to replace my 2006 Trek 1200 which I have owned for two years and ridden @2300 miles. Its a standard double 53/39, which I love and have no desire to switch to a compact.
Found out yesterday that the 2013 SPECIALIZED TARMAC / TARMAC SPORT / TARMAC ELITE are fitted with a 52/36. Checking the ratios this would seem to be perfect for me?
Welcome any thoughts on running 52/36, the Specialized Tarmac range and and other bikes in my price range which have 53/39 or 52/36.

Thanks in advance

Phil
:D

Posts

  • GrillGrill Posts: 5,610
    I'm a big fan of the mid-compact gearing. Certainly what I'll be upgrading to as the 50 on my compact is just too small but I don't want to move to a 39.
    English Cycles V3 | Cervelo P5 | Cervelo T4 | Trek Domane Koppenberg
  • ShutUpLegsShutUpLegs Posts: 3,522
    If you're happy with a 39 you may find a 36 too small.
  • southeastcyclistsoutheastcyclist Posts: 7
    Its the higher gearing that I am keen to keep, 52/11 is slightly higher than 53/12 on my 9 speed. More lower gears may be useful on occaisions :D
  • ajb72ajb72 Posts: 1,178
    southeastcyclist wrote:
    Its the higher gearing that I am keen to keep, 52/11 is slightly higher than 53/12 on my 9 speed. More lower gears may be useful on occaisions :D

    Think you've answered your own question there fella!

    52/36 sounds like a good compromise. I've just changed my Campag compact from a 34T to a 36T (rotor) and I cannot say I've missed the slightly smaller gear. Going form 39 to 36 though sounds like a sensible move if you want a good range of options.
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