Originally Posted by
Marco
Glad to hear your 35 miles ride went well.
I think you've made the right choice going for 2 x 11 rather than a triple, as I've never liked them. More trouble, more weight, and you end up with the pedals a long way apart for the stoker.
Totally agree with what you said about changing to the smaller chainring early. Where I live it's pretty flat, with the occasional short hill, so you can ride up them in either chainring depending on how fit you are, how large your rear sprockets are, and how big a chain angle you are happy to pedal with.
I mention this, as I was talking to a neighbour on Sunday who was just cleaning his carbon fibre Specialised bike with lower to mid-range Shimano kit (2 x 9). He's had it 5 years, from new, and only rides it occasionally. He went on to say, however, that he has broken two new chains on it. I couldn't understand this, as I've only broken one chain in 40+ years and it was my fault; I put the chain on the wrong way around (there's a directional element to fitting modern thin chains). On further discussion I discovered he tended to use the big chainring with the biggest sprocket - some bike shops will say this is ok, but then they'll be replacing the chain at regular intervals. The reality is, this is not ok and is a real chain destroyer.
Lovely range of gears, should be great for riding up French cols. No idea what the top speed going downhill will be, but you'll know doubt hear from behind - well in advance :)