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52 tooth chainring on a compact crank?

20K views 18 replies 15 participants last post by  GTDave 
I think a 14-tooth jump is the most a front derailleur can handle.
Shimano compact cranks are 50-34; a 16 tooth difference, and they shift very well with a standard front derailleur.

I suspect a jump from 52-34, though, is going to be way too much and lead to less than idea shifting in the front. Plus I've never seen that combination, so you won't have the potential advantage of some creative ramping and pinning on the outer chainring to make the upshift smoother.

Also, if you're running an 11-27, 52-34 set up, chain wrap length may be an issue if you're running a short cage rear derailleur. You don't mention what type of rear derailleur you're using, but the recommended chain wrap length for short cage Shimano derailleurs is a conservative 29. 31 works fine. 34 may not.
 
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