Cranksets and gearing.
Let's discuss cranksets and gearing - specifically, the pros and cons of compact (50-34), mid-compact (52-36), and what I call oldschool (53-39).
I'm considering going mid-compact or oldschool. It turns out that 34x28 is more than enough for the climbing I do; I pretty much only use that for grades over 12%, and even then, they're short enough that I can grind them out in 34x25 (though it's not much fun). There are also times when I'd like a bit of a higher gear for descents.
So my concern is that with mid-compact or oldschool, I'd want an 11-32 cassette, and might dislike the tighter cluster of 11-28. Those of you who have experience with different configurations: what did you like or dislike about different configurations, and why?
I'm considering going mid-compact or oldschool. It turns out that 34x28 is more than enough for the climbing I do; I pretty much only use that for grades over 12%, and even then, they're short enough that I can grind them out in 34x25 (though it's not much fun). There are also times when I'd like a bit of a higher gear for descents.
So my concern is that with mid-compact or oldschool, I'd want an 11-32 cassette, and might dislike the tighter cluster of 11-28. Those of you who have experience with different configurations: what did you like or dislike about different configurations, and why?