52T with 34T ok for one time use?

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Noctiluxx
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by Noctiluxx

Hey guys, I have a “death ride” in thee weeks which will be a 112 miles with over 14K ft of climbing. My bikes are all equipped with mid-compacts with 11-28 to 11-30 cassettes. Would it be ok to buy a 34T inner chainring and use it with the 52t outer ring for one ride? I know it’s not ideal. We did half a death ride yesterday with some sections in the 14-20% grade which made me rethink the use of a mid-compact for such gruesome climbs.
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Kayrehn
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by Kayrehn

The chain pickup from small to large ring might be affected, but you can simply put it on and see if shifting is satisfactory still.

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joejack951
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by joejack951

If you have a 34T laying around give it a shot. Maybe you/I will be surprised that it works ok. Just avoid the small/small combo as you'll probably have a loose chain.

Ideally you'd run a compact or even sub-compact and a cassette with a 32T cog as some added insurance. Blowing up your legs midway then having to grind through 50-some miles of climbing won't be fun. Better to be able to spin through the tough stuff early on and save your legs for the final miles.

spdntrxi
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by spdntrxi

my gravel bike was setup orginally with 52/34 w/ 11/34 cassette with the rx805 di2 rd.. worked fine.
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blaugrana
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by blaugrana

I think it would just be easier to install a 11-32 cassette for that ride (unless you were already planning to do that in addition to the 34t chainring), which will actually give you a lower gear (36/32 is easier than 34/30). Other than that, probably the 52-34 would work (I have heard of people experimenting with that), but you will be way more likely to drop the chain when shifting to the small ring (this will depend on which groupset you are using as well).

Noctiluxx
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by Noctiluxx

I just ordered the 50T and 34T chainrings for my DA 9100 crank and will use them only for similar type "death rides"
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VTR1000SP2
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by VTR1000SP2

52 round with 34 oval for the last 900 miles. No issues.


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marioc
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by marioc

52-34 on Ultegra cranks for a couple of rides without any issues.

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LouisN
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by LouisN

Yes it works fine. I used it with PraxisWorks rings.

Louis :)

addictR1
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by addictR1

I’m running 52/34 QXL on my TMR02 with no shifting issues. Using old 10sp RED group.

You must have strong legs... was thinking of doing DR but even on my addict with 52/34 + 11/32, I don’t think I’ll be able to make it.

Thus was even thinking of 1X and run 11/42 back on my addict. Just not sure if it will add more or less weight.


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Noctiluxx
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by Noctiluxx

VTR1000SP2 wrote:
Mon Apr 01, 2019 8:26 pm
52 round with 34 oval for the last 900 miles. No issues.


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What crank/front derailleur? I canceled my 50-34 order and instead ordered the Absolute Black 34T oval chainring for DA 9100 crank.
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VTR1000SP2
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by VTR1000SP2

Noctiluxx wrote:
VTR1000SP2 wrote:
Mon Apr 01, 2019 8:26 pm
52 round with 34 oval for the last 900 miles. No issues.


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What crank/front derailleur? I canceled my 50-34 order and instead ordered the Absolute Black 34T oval chainring for DA 9100 crank.
SRAM Red crank, eTap FD.


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Focus Izalco Max - 4.84kg without pedals
Cervélo Áspero - 8.28kg
Trek Madone SLR Rim - 7.73kg
Standert Triebwerk Disc - 8.47kg

alcatraz
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by alcatraz

11-32 cassette is the better choice but if you're not riding competitively but recreationally then a 52/34t setup would be ok. It's not a nice feeling to be afraid of front shifts when the riding heats up.

Get a set of 50/34 chainrings as well as an 11-32 cassette to be properly prepared.

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Mr.Gib
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by Mr.Gib

if you have extended sections of 20% or more, you will want the 34 ring and the 32 cog. Of course depends on body type and fitness. It's just a one day thing so you can always muscle through it with bigger gears and just stay in bed the next day. :P It's a big ride but 112 miles, 14k elevation gain, not that big. :wink:
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