I really like having a chain ring in the 52/53 combined with 34/36 small ring. Very difficult finding that combination without having to pay an arm or leg.
I was able to find new take off rings in 52/38 on Ebay for $50 in 110BCD and switched my 50/34 crankset to a 52/36 ( had the 36 already) giving me a combination I personally prefer.
I realize it's not everybody's cup of tea but it is mine.
110BCD is such a useful standard! In the future, you might look up Sugino and see what 110BCD rings they make. I don't know, but it wouldn't surprise me if they did both of those.
Now you do know that the 52-36 10 speed is not a new concept, don't you? My 1967 Peugeot UO08 came with that exact gearing.
Ben
I think 52/36 is ideal. It was what the first pros who were using compact were running.
Ben, I know that combination has been around an awfully long time,gives you the best option for varied terrain. That's why I scratch my head wondering why that is not as readily available as standard or compact.
I ride in the big ring at least 80-85% of the time but when I need the small ring for longer climbs or very steep grades,having a 36 as opposed to a 39 can be a Godsend for my old limbs.
52/36 is in the new shimano lineup for Dura Ace and SCRAM has had it available as an option for a year or so (their only redeeming quality). What was old is new once again, I think you will start seeing a bunch of OEM
http://www.shimano.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/us/index/products/road/dura_ace.html
You are correct Bob, you can spend almost as much on a set of chainrings of quality as you can on a crank itself. I prefer man gears, tried compact a few times and I don't like the feel. robs my tranquilo
Bob, for me the breakthrough was the 53-42 and tight cluster of my racing days. Spent most of my time on the 32 when not actually racing. Still love that combo, but I've used a 28t third ring since I hung up my racing bike 3 decades ago. Conveniently, as I age, cassette manufactures keep adding cogs so I can still ride my favorite 13-19 FW cogs! I'm still on 9 cogs so I'm good for a while!
Ben
what are you running for a cassette bobswire?
You must be a beast with all of those hills in S.F.!!!!
Gonzo@what are you running for a cassette bobswire?
12-27 or 11-28. I'll probably go to a Tiagra 12-30 10 speed for some climbs in the Bay Area after all I'm 67.
I remember seeing something about 52/36 coming as a standard option from several manufacturers in 2013...I think Campy in addition to the above listed. I'm still able to get up most anything in a 39 x 27, but probably not for much longer. The power is going down and the weight is going up...I don't even want to think about the ratio.
Tai
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