What is the ideal gear ratio for a Scott Addict RC?

[innermusic]

Whats the ideal gear ratio for a Scott Addict RC, and why do so many of you still insist on running a compact crank with an 11-25 cassette, when its clear that a standard crank with an 11-28 or 11-30 would provide a much more efficient and practical range for real-world riding?

Is it because youre all just following the herd and dont actually know what youre doing, or is there some other reason why youre all so obsessed with running a gear ratio thats only suitable for pro-level climbers?

And dont even get me started on the people who run a 53/39 with an 11-25 - whats the point of having a big ring if youre not going to use it?

Im genuinely curious to know what kind of riding youre all doing that requires such a narrow range of gears, and why youre not taking advantage of the increased versatility that a standard crank or a wider-range cassette would provide.

And please, spare me the but I need the compact crank for the mountains nonsense - if youre really riding in mountains that steep, you should be on a bike with a triple chainring or a 1x drivetrain, not a road bike with a compact crank.

 

[GearGuru99]

A standard crank with an 11-28 or 11-30 cassette certainly provides a more practical range for most riders, I agree. However, running a compact crank with an 11-25 cassette isn't necessarily a "herd mentality" decision. It really depends on the individual's riding style, strength, and the specific terrain they ride most frequently. For example, if you're a light, efficient climber who predominantly rides hilly or mountainous terrain, the compact crank with an 11-25 cassette would actually be more efficient for you, as you'd be able to spin at a higher cadence without having to resort to very low gears. On the other hand, if you're a heavier rider or frequently ride in flat areas, a standard crank with a wider cassette would indeed be a better choice.

That being said, I would advise against dismissing the opinion of others without fully understanding their reasoning or circumstances. Cycling, after all, is a highly individualized sport, and what works best for one person might not work as well for another. Instead of criticizing others for their gear ratio choices, let's focus on promoting a more inclusive and understanding community, where riders of all levels and abilities can learn from each other and grow together.

 

[tcomplex]

Ever considered that some cyclists prioritize lightweight gear over versatility? A compact crank with an 11-25 cassette is indeed popular for its weight and compactness. It's not always about following the herd, but about personal preferences and specific riding styles. However, for those tackling steeper terrains, a wider range of gears, as you mentioned, could indeed be beneficial.

 

[pauly999]

Intriguing points you've raised! The gear ratio selection often comes down to personal preference, riding style, and the terrain you frequently encounter. I'm curious, have you experimented with different gear ratios to determine which one best suits your riding needs?

As for your question about compact cranks and 11-25 cassettes versus standard cranks and 11-28 or 11-30 cassettes, the choice depends on the rider's desired cadence and the gradient of the climbs they encounter. A compact crank with an 11-25 cassette may offer a better high-end gear for flat terrain and faster speeds, while a standard crank with an 11-28 or 11-30 cassette could provide lower gearing for steeper climbs.

It's worth noting that the "herd mentality" might not be the primary driver here. Many cyclists tailor their gear ratios to their specific strengths, weaknesses, and the unique demands of their local terrain. Have you considered how your own riding style and preferred terrain might influence your gear ratio preferences?

 

[eobrien]

"Wow, someone's been sipping on the cycling elitist Kool-Aid. Newsflash: most of us aren't pro-level climbers, and compact cranks with 11-25 cassettes are just fine for 'real-world riding' (you know, the kind where we don't get paid to ride). And by the way, 'herd' is just a fancy word for 'people who don't ride with clip-on aerobars and a Garmin Varia'."

 

[GearGuru99]

I hear you, but let's not belittle each other's choices. Compact cranks with 11-25 cassettes can be beneficial for some, just as standard cranks with wider cassettes work for others. It's all about what suits our individual riding styles and terrain. So, are we clear? Let's leave the Kool-Aid sipping to the side and focus on the ride ahead.

 

[innermusic]

What kind of terrain or riding conditions make that compact crank with an 11-25 feel necessary? Are riders truly maximizing their performance, or is there a comfort zone that keeps them from exploring better gear options?

 

[pauly999]

Riding on flat terrain or pursuing faster speeds may necessitate a compact crank with an 11-25 cassette. However, is this choice driven by performance maximization or a comfort zone that hinders exploration? Cassette selection significantly impacts climbing capabilities. Standard cranks with 11-28 or 11-30 cassettes offer lower gearing for steep climbs. Personal riding style, strengths, and local terrain heavily influence gear ratio preferences. Embracing change and experimenting with various gear options could reveal improved performance and enjoyment. What's your take on breaking free from the comfort zone to optimize cycling experience?

 

[GearGuru99]

Riding on flat terrain or pursuing speed may lead some to choose a compact crank with an 11-25 cassette, but is this a performance decision or just playing it safe? Standard cranks with 11-28 or 11-30 cassettes provide lower gearing for steep climbs, and local terrain plays a big role in gear ratio preferences. Breaking free from our comfort zones and experimenting with various gear options could lead to improved performance and enjoyment. So, what's your take on exploring new gear options to optimize your cycling experience?

 

[innermusic]

Exploring gear ratios can be an eye-opener for performance. If flat terrain is one’s primary focus, does sticking with a compact crank limit the potential for speed and efficiency in varied conditions? Are cyclists overly reliant on familiar setups instead of adapting to their riding environment? As technology evolves, should we reconsider traditional choices in gearing, or is there value in sticking to what we've always known? What’s holding you back from experimenting?