Chainring selection question

[572cv]

I'm looking at a decent deal on a mechanical Chorus 12speed x2 group as I plan ahead for a possible build next year. The question is related to choosing a 48/32 chainring set up, or a 50/34 set up. I've been using a 50/34 for a number of years, but there are rides around where the smaller one would seem be great, and I would do them more often. But I don't know if I would like the 48 set up overall.

So, I looked to see how easy it was to get replacement chain rings, and they are not common. Does anyone know of places that sell them? Maybe 50/34 is available but 48/32 isn't? Maybe my search terms are poor. Guidance welcome, suggestions too.

[AngryScientist]

i love the 48/32 and find the 48 a lot better for overall usability than the 50. use more of the whole cassette with the 48.

that is a super popular combo, so if it turns out you dont like it, i bet you could trade for it here in seconds.

[joevers]

I think you're best off sticking to the OEM Campy replacement rings as opposed to other aftermarket ones regardless of which combo you choose. 48/32 is great if you're not racing. It also means (especially for 12 speed campy) you get to run a cassette with tighter jumps and still have a very low low gear. I'd go ahead and make the jump to 48/32, I can't imagine you'll regret it.

[cgolvin]

Completely agree with Angry -- have 48/32 on both bikes now, one has 12/29 in the back and the other 11/32. The only time I miss the bigger chainring is when trying to build speed on a fast descent, but that was true with a 50 as well.

As to replacement chainrings, I like the idea of that flexibility but in reality the cost is too high to justify it.

[NHAero]

I wonder if TA will make them? I've used a lot of TA rings and find them excellent.

[Dave]

The 48/32 only came out last July, as a 2020 Chorus 12 product, so you can't expect after market rings yet. I bought the 48/32 and 11-34 as soon as they became available. I can spin the 48/11 up to 38mph with no problem. Having a 48 can make shifts to the little ring less frequent.

As far as resale goes, I sold one of my 48/32 cranks here, but the other got no interest here, so I moved it to ebay where it took several weeks to get less than half price for it.

Right now I'm got a sram axs drivetrain with more top gear and more low gear. I got that with a cheap shimano grx 46/30 crank ($145) and 10-36 sram 12 speed cassette. So far it's working great.

The 10-36 cassette will work with a chorus 12 drivetrain too.

[gbcoupe]

Miche offers 48/32 rings for 11 speed. Guessing that would work, but can't say for sure?

I'm still stuck on 10 and don't see a change any time soon.

[572cv]

Thanks for the quick feedback, everyone. Much appreciated!