Gravel / Gravé / Gnarmac / Groad / ATB

Yeah, the bcd/bolt pattern are definite limitations.

I've seen videos of people running GS r8000 rear mechs in the same setup, and the r8000 mech claims a capacity of 39T so I'm hoping it will work, but it would be nice to hear of someone who has first hand experience.

Oops, I had forgotten about silly Shimano bolt pattern. A 46t chainring seems to be nearly £100 :(

Then it's cheaper to just go for a CX chainset;

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-105-cx50-double-10sp-chainset-black/rp-prod70118

standard 110BCD with 5 bolts, you can fit a 34t inner ring if you wish, but 46/36 is actually quite nice with a 11-40t.

all you people are mental. I run 52/36 on my 'gravel bike'. Just ride faster.

posts video of @skinny walking up TCR6 CP4

;-)

a) his weakness is not my problem (lol)

b) I live in London, the worst gravel climb I get is over canal locks.

Why do you have a 36T in London? 56T 1x or gtfo

shuffles sideways to hide 34T

I use a 52 double so I can go everywhere in 52x11 and intimidate people by my refusal to use the little ring.

I only have little rings on my bikes to take off and hand out to any riders sobbing on group rides.

Respect. I only bring a saddlebag, pump etc to slow me down on the climbs.

Yeah, resistance training, I'm with you. Same reason I wear winter clothes - just to ruin my aerodynamics, not because I'm cold.

I fill my tubeless tyres with Radon.

Tubeless is too low rolling resistance.

I use tubes filled with the blood I've taken out in the middle of a training ride to simulate having fewer red blood cells available.

You guys use tyres?
Pussies

I use a 52 double so I can go everywhere in 52x11 and intimidate people by my refusal to use the little ring.

Please take a ticket and join the queues of people wearing out their chainring because they insist on big ringing it, we’ll get round to you shortly, thank you.

Don't worry Edward. I, for one, know how to use the tools at my disposal.

Turns out @giofox has been running the same 50-34 / 11-40 road link setup for over 5000km, albeit with 5800.

I'm going ahead with it and will report back.

Shocking gear, just get a triple

i've ridden that ratio for around 15000k. it is great!

Have you read any of the previous posts? It's a new bike that has a double already. New shifters and triple chain set are about £280 at a glance compared with £50 for a new cassette, road link and chain.

It is a silly gear, almost same speed as walking, completely useless on road, immensely grateful I had it on the TNR.

As @cjr says, simplest and cheapest way to get that gear ratio by changing as little as possible in a 2x11 setup.

The other option is to do the trad sub-compact hack by getting a triple and remove the outer and replace the middle with a 46t go give a 30/46 chainset. Can run a 36 max rear then. Something like https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shimano-R563-TIAGRA-Triple-Chainset-NEW-Road-Bike-Crankset-FC-R563-NEW/143005874693?redirect=mobile .

@giofox I used a 24/38 mtb chainset on last years TNR and was so glad I had a 24 x 36 lowest gear on those hills! Its a bit too spinny for normal riding back here though.

Not sure if this is the right place for this, but really liking what Decathlon are doing on the 'gravel' front with these shoes. On point with laces and good value. Time to go in-store to check them out.

https://www.lfgss.com/comments/14666405/

Dislike laces me, they get wet and dirty then are horrible to undo!

Wish they did the newer coloured giro privateer in hv with buckle!