Comments on: Life Without the Big Ring

By: Darryl

Darryl — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:19:00 +0000

Yeah, it will be nice to ride with you on Saturday. I’m more of a spinner so maybe I can help convert you over.

Darryl

By: Perry Huntley

Perry Huntley — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 05:31:00 +0000

So far I ride 100% of the time on the big ring…..I have a compact and love the gearing. I was worried going from my triple to this setup, but it was unfounded. I climbed Eagles Nest North of Leander without using the smaller gear, but I’m more of a “masher”. Eventually I want to start using the higher cadence/smaller ring to maintain my knees, but I see a huge difference in my stamina and leg strength that using the big ring gives me. Hope to see you Saturday on the hills Darryl!

By: Darryl

Darryl — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 03:51:00 +0000

I’ve never tried a compact, but might have to see what it’s like sometime. Keep it big ring, dude.

Darryl

By: Aaron - Steep Climbs

Aaron - Steep Climbs — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 02:34:00 +0000

Glad you got hooked back up. I recently converted to a compact for my upcoming mountain rides and found that I am spending a LOT of time in the big ring, like 90% or so. I switch back on the steeper hills and sometimes at stops. I try to ride the moderate hills in the big ring just because it helps ‘conquer’ the hill, but I make sure only to do so when cadence is high.

By: Darryl

Darryl — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Yeah the terrain definitely has a lot to do with what ring you ride in. Thanks for checking out the post and leaving your comments.

By: Darryl

Darryl — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:28:00 +0000

Yes, very satisfying. Keep up the great riding, Dave.

By: Darryl

Darryl — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:25:00 +0000

Thanks Ian, good points. I also use the big ring as something that challenges me to work harder as well.

By: Darryl

Darryl — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:24:00 +0000

I totally agree with Ian. Ride for yourself and don’t worry about what others have to say about your crank. As long as you’re getting out there and riding and enjoying yourself….that’s what matters most.

Darryl

By: PedalmanTO

PedalmanTO — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:45:00 +0000

There are hordes of riders that believe that bigger is always better, don’t listen to them. You ride what’s comfortable for you. The weak rider is the one who doesn’t enjoy the ride they are on; it has nothing to do with their setup.
Keep the Rubber Side Down.

By: PedalmanTO

PedalmanTO — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:41:00 +0000

I love the fluid motion and tension the Big Ring gives me. Living life in the Big Ring is fun and powerful but don’t forget that the Small Ring offers reflection and recovery.