50x 34 to a 48x34

ilovegrace
ilovegrace Posts: 677
edited December 2014 in Road buying advice
I am considering a second hand bike with 48x34 12 -28 10 speed gearing my bike now is 50 x 34-12 -30 9 speed.
my knowledge of gear ratios is poor at best .
My riding is a 30 mile a day commute road / paths plus 50 + mile road ride on Sundays (lots of hills).
This would be my commuter come winter trainer.
What will I gain / loose on the 48x34 ?
Look forward to your replies
regards
ILG

Comments

  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,312
    46 x 36 is the answer... get a cyclocross chain set CX 50 or CX 70
    left the forum March 2023
  • imposter2.0
    imposter2.0 Posts: 12,028
    For every-day riding, you will mostly lose nothing.
  • timothyw
    timothyw Posts: 2,482
    Unless you like to absolutely hoon it down those hills you ride, the only thing you'll notice is slightly smoother shifting between the front rings.

    Your little ring might stay slightly cleaner also.
  • iron-clover
    iron-clover Posts: 737
    Your maximum gear ratios will be slightly closer together- you lose the real low gear of 34x30t which is replaced with 34x28t, which is still a very low gear that should get you up most things.
    Then you have a smaller geared big ring, so your highest gear will be reduced slightly but equally changing from little to big rings won't cause such a jump in gearing.

    Realistically as already said, it will make no real difference to day to day riding, only if you want to go up (and then down at full tilt) the steepest roads.
  • ilovegrace
    ilovegrace Posts: 677
    Thanks chaps , that has eased my mind , didn't want to buy a bike and have the change to chain set !
    regards
    ILG

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