Chainring advice

[The_Conductor]

I’m a 52/36 owner and kind of think it’s rhe worst of both worlds. I wrote this on a previous thread:

@The_Conductor

Why not go 50/34? There’s been discussion about terrain and climbing, but how strong of a rider are you? I think a 50t up front for most people allows for jamming in the middle of the cassette while in the big ring a lot more than a 52 does.

For reference, I’m a 4.7-4.8 W/kg rider (FTP 360ish) and I ride a 52/36 with 11/30 12sp. Most of my riding is in rolling hills outside Boston, though I occasionally ride in the mountains of northern New England. The 52t is fine, but I still find myself wanting the 50 for every day riding–better chain line. My previous bike was 50/34 with 11/28 11sp (and I had an 11/30 for climbing).

I now own a set of 50/34 and am considering a 54/40 purchase for flat days and workouts (I was spinning out my 52 today doing thresholds).