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triple chainring question
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 2007-06-14 12:52 PM |
Sneaky Slow  8694       Herndon, VA, |  Subject: triple chainring questionMy bike has 3 chainrings, and a 12-26 8 speed cassette. I usually have the front in the middle chainring, and typically 4 to 6 on the back, which according to Sheldon Brown's website, puts me around 16-20 MPH. Would it be better for me to use the big chainring, and have the back on 2-4 gears, which puts me at the same speed? I realize that the big chainring with 2nd gear on the back is probably a no-no because of crosschaining, but in general, should I be using the big chainring more? is that better for training, or does it not matter. Right now I seem to prefer being on the middle chainring, which means I rarely have to shift the front... just on downhills, mostly. |
| 2007-06-14 1:06 PM in reply to: #844475 |
Resident Curmudgeon 25290 The Road Back Gold member | Subject: RE: triple chainring question You're OK in the middle, no advantage to being on the big chainring. Somewhat related, look for my long post toward the (current) end of this thread: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=79387&posts=17#M844500 |
| 2007-06-14 1:11 PM in reply to: #844475 |
| Iron Donkey 38643 , Wisconsin | Subject: RE: triple chainring question newLeaf - 2007-06-14 12:52 PM My bike has 3 chainrings, and a 12-26 8 speed cassette. I usually have the front in the middle chainring, and typically 4 to 6 on the back, which according to Sheldon Brown's website, puts me around 16-20 MPH. Would it be better for me to use the big chainring, and have the back on 2-4 gears, which puts me at the same speed? I realize that the big chainring with 2nd gear on the back is probably a no-no because of crosschaining, but in general, should I be using the big chainring more? is that better for training, or does it not matter. Right now I seem to prefer being on the middle chainring, which means I rarely have to shift the front... just on downhills, mostly. If you want speed on a flat, go to big, front chainring with small, back chainring, which then lowers your cadence. Nothing wrong with that, but for distance training that we have to do for Triathlons it wouldn't be efficient. Consider using (with your setup) the front, middle chainring with (respect to small, back chainring) the 2nd, 3rd and sometimes 4th chainrings up from small, back chainring for more efficient cadence. You pedal a little easier and more efficiently (unless you are coming down a good hill). I used to do this when I rode my hybrid Cannondale. |
| 2007-06-14 2:09 PM in reply to: #844475 |
Veteran 184 Stoughton, WI | Subject: RE: triple chainring question You might focus on your cadence rather than which chain ring. For me, I NEVER look at which chain ring and gear I'm in , but I pay attention to how tired my legs are and I am looking at the cadence meter on my cateye constantly. I like keeping my cadence at 92-95, once outside that range I change gears until I am comfortable again, which is almost always in that range. good luck and go fast! |
| 2007-06-14 5:15 PM in reply to: #844475 |
Master 1890 Cypress, CA | Subject: RE: triple chainring question On a flat, it shouldn't make any difference as long as you don't get too cross-chained--gear inches are gear inches, no matter what combination is used to get there. So I think it would depend more on what's coming up ahead on the course. If a downhill section is coming up, you're better off on the big ring so you can shift into bigger gears as you descend. If an uphill is coming up, stay on the middle ring so you can get into lower gear and keep your cadence up on the climb. |
| 2007-06-14 10:13 PM in reply to: #844475 |
Sneaky Slow 8694 Herndon, VA, | Subject: RE: triple chainring question Thanks all for the advice and suggestions. Will put them into practice. |
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