Sub compact gearing on a road bike

Makes complete sense.

My weight weenie bike has a converted triple FSA k light crank with 46-30 rings and a lightweight 11-25 cassette.

Nice close ratios, a super low bottom gear, a top end close to 50-12, short cage derailleur and lots of saved grammes!

I live in a hilly area. I laughed at all the nonsense about “is the compact dead?” When 52-36 cranks became fashionable. I’m a reasonably strong rider. A 50-34 is ideal for me. But so is a 48-32 or a 46-30.

I’ve been using a 46-34 on my winter bike for years. I love the small jump on the front rings.

Just choose ratios that work best for you and ignore fashion and naysayers.

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