Kurt Sperry wrote:
> I'm not sure how using a smaller big ring will help much when you need
> a low gear. Most cranks are at or near the limit constrained by the BCD
> on the inner ring, so for most on topic bikes the only way to broaden
> the range down low is to use larger freewheel cogs.
You're right, of course, but you just need to use the right cranks! :-)
My favorites are TA (minimum 26T), Stronglight 99 (minimum 28T), and Zeus (minimum 36T). One of my bikes has a TA double with 43-30 rings. Two more have Zeus with 48-36 and 47-40. Another has Stronglight 99 with 45-34. My old 53-42 Super Record crank has been retired.
--
-John Thompson (john@os2.dhs.org)
Appleton WI USA