Training with Cranksets
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TriSooner posted 11 weeks ago.
I've never heard of it, but I think it could mess you up, at least in terms of instinctively finding gears and the best cadence. I think that after training on specific crank/cassette combo, knowing which gear to be in becomes ingrained. Changing cranks at the last minute might get you out of your rythm. Or not.
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UFTriGator posted 11 weeks ago.
That sounds kind of silly. No one really needs a 55t front ring (maybe Fabian Cancellara?). Using a 44t small ring just kills your "bail out" if you hit a big hill. As far as I know, all the guys I race run 53t chainrings at all the ITU races and the non-drafting pro races (I'm sure there are exceptions, but I haven't noticed anything crazy).
I think 55t chainrings exist for roadies who got really excited that they broke an hour in a 40k and needed a new, oversized chainring because they're so strong. Truth is, you go :54 in a 40k with a 53t chainring just fine (assuming you can push 330W for that long).
If I were you, I'd just switch over to a 53-39 to make sure you're used to it. If you swith right before the race, you might be fine.....or you might not be able to find a gear that you're comfortable in because you're not used to the gear ratios.
edit: I started writing this before TriSooner posted and got distracted before I finished.....but looks like we pretty much said the same thing.
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-Matt
Not fast enough.
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jerallen posted 11 weeks ago.
Good points everyone, I will switch to the 53-39. I would never buy a 55t chainring on my own, but for some reason Felt stocks the 2007 DA with it.
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TriSooner posted 11 weeks ago.
UFTriGator wrote:
edit: I started writing this before TriSooner posted and got distracted before I finished.....but looks like we pretty much said the same thing.
Yes, but your answer is more technical :) Gear ratios and combinations hurt my brain. I just know what feels right.
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jhudalla posted 11 weeks ago.
I know I could have used a bailout - I run a 55/11 and daym... the 'HILL' at IMC nearly killed me. People were walking up that muther... I stupidly ( or not ) pounded it. I was fried afterwards.
Do w/ the 53
Weary is the path that does not challenge.
So I recently got a new ride and I didn't realize the crankset was a 55-44 set. So on my hilly ride this weekend, i kept wondering why it was so tough to turn the pedals. Has anyone every heard of training with a bigger crankset then switching to say a 53-39 for the race? My two A races this year are lake stevens 70.3 and IMKY, so I am doing lots of hillwork.