Proper v compact c'sets?

[zaskar.le]

Have any one else the same thoughts as me re noddy c'sets i'e something with rings that are so tiny.
As ive been all over on mine with 48/38/24 running 12-21ish cassete. did the hell of the north onit and rode all apart from on bit that was very steep from dead turn and had to contend with a load of agricultural machines turning up I'e harleys davidsons for some reason?. which got in the way.
as where or why would you have a 22 ring to a 34 sprocket?. unless i suppose you're towing a truck?.lol
Ive raced on that spec or similar and been flat out on 48-12ish on an open flat and pulled away from others making up places.used to use scott at4 pro bars which gave you like a tri bar bit on front.

just seems something to wear out quicker hence making more cash for shimano?.

 

[FluffyChicken]

Unfit people and steep short hill climbs they work well.

Though 26(f)/28(r) does me for most around here, 24(f) would be nicer, just easier with lower to get up or in the wet.
That's ATB sizes.

Extra ground clearance over logs etc and lower weight.

I use a mix of all through my bikes. Been enjoying 22(f)/28(r) 32(r) is only there for the bragging rights of not using you top sprocket.

I do miss my 48 ring when using a 44 or 42 though and you hit a nice fast point.

 

[feetabix]

Old school 12-28 and 24/36/48 all the way for me.....a silly gear allows you to have a pop at that sloppy rooty climb but at 40 do I really care?...... I'm mindful of a joke....a young bull in a field says to his father 'if we run over there, smash that gate down and go to the next field we could shag a cow!'.......dad replies 'if we amble over and open the gate we can shag them all!'........ :roll:

 

[MiniNinjaRob]

I'd love to see someone ride an all-dayer in the peaks or lakes with a 28:21 bottom gear. There would be tears!!

 

[hamster]

Certainly I was glad of the 32 rear (24 front) when riding the tandem in Devon with a 6 year old on the back and towing a 3 year old in a child trailer...

 

[MiniNinjaRob]

I have a 22/32 bottom gear on my full suss. Better pedalling that than walking any day, me not being an Olympic athlete you see.

 

[djoptix]

For MTB, maybe not. For touring or road, depends on your cardio/muscle fitness. Those with good cardio but poor muscle strength will be able to spin up big hills quickly in a low gear, rather than pushing a higher one. Horses for courses.

Some people like to pootle up steep stuff in 22/34 just because they want to ride it, not walk it, and that's their choice IMHO - even if they are riding at < 3mph!