It depends on the rider and the course. There are stages of the Vuelta where some have used triples, and Tyler Hamilton helped popularize the return of the "compact" crank. Sprinters are heard to use 55 big rings for certain finishes. The pros use a range of ratios, depending on what they need. This stands in sharp contrast to many of the rest of us who insist on having an 11 or 12 in the back when in fact we can't spin out a 53/13 (36+ mph) unless on a downhill.spearman said:What crankset/cassette combo do the pros ride?
I presume 53/39 with 12- 26(?) in mountains and 53/42 with 11-23 on flat.
I rarely ride with anything larger than a 53/13, and yet I'm usually the first to the bottom on descents. It's not because I've got a fast spin, but simply because I know when it is faster to coast then to pedal.Kerry Irons said:It depends on the rider and the course. There are stages of the Vuelta where some have used triples, and Tyler Hamilton helped popularize the return of the "compact" crank. Sprinters are heard to use 55 big rings for certain finishes. The pros use a range of ratios, depending on what they need. This stands in sharp contrast to many of the rest of us who insist on having an 11 or 12 in the back when in fact we can't spin out a 53/13 (36+ mph) unless on a downhill.![]()
Geez. I'm not a pro, but in contrast to most folks here, I ride an 11-23 because I need the 11 tooth more than I would need a 25. Boulder isn't exactly flat, but 39 x 23 is sufficient for me. I have been in 20-30 minutes downhill pacelines, or with the wind at my back, and the only reason I could keep up is my 11t.spearman said:What crankset/cassette combo do the pros ride?
I presume 53/39 with 12- 26(?) in mountains and 53/42 with 11-23 on flat.
The 53-39 and 11-23 setup is pretty much the standard. If it is flat then 11-21 will get used (also for most TT situations). And for the big mountain days, a 25 is in the mix but most Euro pros will want 11-25 instead of 12-25. Interestingly Campy does not make 11-25 but I'll bet the pro teams make one up with loose cogs 11-12-13-14-15-17 and then the paired 19-21T and 23-25T.spearman said:What crankset/cassette combo do the pros ride?
I presume 53/39 with 12- 26(?) in mountains and 53/42 with 11-23 on flat.
There was a pretty good article I read somewhere... or video I saw... I can't remember.spearman said:What crankset/cassette combo do the pros ride?
I presume 53/39 with 12- 26(?) in mountains and 53/42 with 11-23 on flat.
Holy poop!Cruzer2424 said:There was a pretty good article I read somewhere... or video I saw... I can't remember.
Check out http://www.cycling.tv . There is a pretty good interview with one of the Disco mechanics about how he ended up wrenching for the Disco boys. Theres a small blurb on gearing in the road races and TTs.
In the Uphill TT... 04 TdF, Lance used I THINK it was a corn cob starting on 14. (14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23) Interesting choice, huh? Standard crankset.
and as far as MY gearing is concerned, the only reason I insist on having an 11 for races is the chainline. At a crit pace, or a RR pace, the chain is straigher when there is an 11 at the end of it.
Cruzer2424 said:Holy poop!
Disco Boys ride 44,53 in Paris-Roubaix with an 11-19! They said they took off the 21 becuase they don't use it. Mostly for crashing/adjustment purposes. Apparently you can crash more without the der. going into the rear wheel.
53/39 in the Classics with a 11-19(/21... see explaination above)
TT bikes... 11-21... 44/54 (or 55 depending on rider)
Bryn said:According to cyclingnews.com, Hincapie will be running a 12-23, not an 11-19! Don't shoot the messenger
http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2006/apr06/roubaix06/index.php?id=hincapie_trek/IMG_9949
But there is a good argument to run a 12-xx cassette even if we're not racers. I find the 39x13 combo quite useful, which I would not be able to use if the smallest cog were the 13 and not a 12. Sure, I rarely use the 12 except on downhill sections, but since we do have hills here, it's not a complete waste.Kerry Irons said:This stands in sharp contrast to many of the rest of us who insist on having an 11 or 12 in the back when in fact we can't spin out a 53/13 (36+ mph) unless on a downhill.![]()