What Size Chain Ring To Use?

Now, that’s what I call a decent size chain ring.

In road races, riders will typically use a 53 outer chain ring. With an 11 sprocket this can enable speeds of up to 45-50mph, as long as  you can pedal at a very high cadence.

For Time trialls, some riders prefer a much bigger chain ring. For time trials, riders tend to prefer a lower cadence. There is much debate about the optimum gear ratio. But, some riders feel that a big chain ring enables more power.

Nik Bowdler is one of the UK’s top time triallist, he often rides a 57 Chain ring or higher

Most pro riders are used to racing road gears and prefer a cadence in the mid 90s. When Obree broke the world hour record in the early 1990s he was unusual for riding a higher gear than usual. But, he still had a cadence in the 90s according to this table