Will I notice going from 53t to 52t ring?

[jwb96]

I don't really push big gears, but I am set up with 53x39 and 12x23. I didn't have a good experience with a compact crank, but it had to do with my sweet spot being right where the 50 and 34 overlapped so I was changing front rings too often. So I was thinking about a 52. Will I notice much difference from the 53? When I'm in the big ring and just cruising, I tend to be in the middle to larger end of the cassette. So I often bump up against the two-tooth jump going from the 17 to 19 . . . it would be nicer to stay below the 17. I'm not really concerned about spinning out - the hills and my power aren't big enough for that.

Thanks,
Jim

[Bruce K]

I love my 52-38 gearing.

I don't notice any negative difference except on the fastest descents where I might get close to spinning out.

On the flats and climbs it just seems to be a tick more comfortable than my 53-39 bikes.

BK

[Mike748]

I noticed my derailleur was too high.

[beungood]

I have wondered if it was possible to get a 52 for my Chrous triple wondered how kuch differance it makes..

[bigreen505]

It's not a big difference, but IMO it is a noticeable one.

[Chief]

To maintain the same speed with 53 and 52 chain rings, the power output must be the same. Therefore, you will have to increase your cadence with the 52 chain ring over the 53 chain by a factor of 53/52; i.e., about 2% increase. If you can increase your cadence with the 52 chain ring by 2%, then the required force on the pedals will be reduced by a factor of 52/53; i.e., about a 2% decrease, therefore it may feel a "tick" easier. Can you increase your cadence by 2%? It depends upon your physiology, conditioning and speed amongst other parameters.

[Ken Robb]

do the math-calculate ratios, gear-inches, whatever system helps you visualize the difference. it would make no practical difference for me.

[Songline]

I know what you mean about the jump from the 17 to the 19. I love the 18 cog. What about running a 13-23 cassette? Lose the 12 (since you say you're not really concerned about spinning out) and gain, in its place, the 18.

[duke]

No.
duke

[lurpy]

I've used a 50x34 compact for a couple of trips to Europe (Alps and Dolomites), and the low gearing was welcome, but I never liked the "feel" for general riding. Always switched back to standard as soon as I got home. Just last week I put a 52x36 compact on one of my bikes. I've only had a few rides on it to date, but so far the "feel" seems to split the difference, which is what I was hoping for. And yes, "feel" is completely subjective.

[John M]

I like a 53/39 with a 13-26 10s cassette (I am running campy so that combination is available). This has an 18T cog which is great for that in between 17-19 spot you are talking about. The 26 also brings the 53/23 combination into play which often means not having to drop to the small chainring for a slightly lower gear when cruising along in the large chainring and there is an incline or little bit of a headwind. If I am spinning out of my 53/13, it means the speed is already 40+ mph so I might as well just coast at that point.

I had a 52 on one of my bikes for awhile and really didn't think it was different enough from a 53 to change my gear selection.

[jwb96]

Thanks, everyone. Sounds like I won't waste my time on the 52 but will think about going to a 13x__ cassette. That 13x26 sounds intriguing.

Jim