Technical Braking Question - Potentially Dumb

n00b question.

I'm currently riding on 42/18 and found that I'm spinning out far to easily on the flat.
If I move up to 52/18 by using the other chainring, will my braking become easier or harder than my current set up? i.e. will the larger gear increase the counter-momentive force or dissipate it?

it will make it more difficult to stop. I assume you are talking about using your legs to stop and not a front brake?

go to a 16, its easier to change

Yes it will be harder to brake. 42 x18-> 52x18 is a massive jump 61.3 g.i -> 75.9 g.i (assuming 23 mm tyres and 7000 wheels). Consider a smaller step.

n00b question.

I'm currently riding on 42/18 and found that I'm spinning out far to easily on the flat.
If I move up to 52/18 by using the other chainring, will my braking become easier or harder than my current set up? i.e. will the larger gear increase the counter-momentive force or dissipate it?

Harder.

Keep riding 42-18, and learn how to spin. It takes a little while, but it's worth learning.

Yes it will be harder to brake. 42 x18-> 52x18 is a massive jump 61.3 g.i -> 75.9 g.i (assuming 23 mm tyres and 7000 wheels). Consider a smaller step.

Fair enough. I was trying to be lazy and use the other chainring on my conversion. Might have to see if the lbs has a 16 available.

Keep riding 42-18, and learn how to spin. It takes a little while, but it's worth learning.

What do you class as spin?

I was easily pushing above 120 on the flats and loosing control on the decents. Do I need to be going at that rate as a matter of course?

42 to 52 is a huge leap try going up in smaller increments a couple of teeth at a time

I am very happy on 42 / 16.

If you change down to a 16 at the back you won't need a new chain either.

i just dig my spurs in real hard, and my hos, stops dead.

Stoopsombitch!

Just a quick word of thanks for the advice. I finally got round to switching the 18 to a 16 and found that this makes a very comfortable gear. I can still get to spinning out on the flat but not nearly as easily.

don't do 52 18. it fecking hurts.

Might need to bump it up a bit more. Went out to hit the local ten mile TT course and only clocked a 29.56 with a rolling start.