Carrera TDF Limited Edition 2013 (I think!) - The Wrong Gear?

[Mongoose]

I feel I should share my experience of 'upgrading' to a road bike. Towards the end of April 2014 I walked into Halfords to buy a tool set for a car and walked out with a Carrera TDF Limited Edition (or Non-Limited Edition as it turned out). I had been knocking about mainly on roads on my faithful 24 speed Trek 7200 FX hybrid for the previous 9 years and notched up a very respectable mileage. Friends and family had hinted to me that I should be considering a road bike not least because my Trek was looking both tired and dated. In love with my Trek and with no intention of upgrading I was somehow sucked into a Halfords bank holiday special deal and squeezed a boxed Carrera TDF onto the back seat of the car. Bearing in mind that I had walked into buy a car tool set I'm not sure what my thinking was but afterwards I persuaded myself that if things didn't work out, for £300, if nothing else, I would be able to move the bike on or sell on some decent quality bits for a modest return. The bike came with Shimano twin paddle shifters, Shimano derailleurs, a 12/26 rear cassette and a front chainset I wish I'd paid a bit more attention to!

I assembled the bike myself without any difficulty and went out on a quick 20 mile spin before heading off to Africa on a three week business trip. On reflection I was generally happy with the bike although I did find it a bit of a struggle to get up the hills. I should point out that I fall into the 'heavier' category of cyclist although I cover an average of 150 miles a week and never really struggled with hills on the Trek. I did a further 1500 miles on the TDF when I got back from Africa but, alas, the hills were not getting any easier. At this point, I decided to take a closer look at the gearing. I thought I had been sold a Carrera TDF with a 50/34 compact chainset but on closer examination found I had a 52/42 double chainset. This went a long way to explaining why the hills were not getting any easier.

I spent some time looking at the best options for changing the setup of the bike. From what I read many people suggested cutting your losses and putting money towards another bike but, I don't know why, I'm very attached to the Carrera TDF as, dare I say it, I feel I got a lot of bike for the money.

Determined not to be defeated, I changed the standard spec TDF 52/42 chainset (maker unknown) that came with the bike for a 50/34 Shimano FC A070 Square Taper 7/8 Speed Chainset at a cost of £35. This 'upgrade' required nothing more than a crank removal tool, taking a couple of links out of the chain and a minor height adjustment to the front derailleur. I now have a completely different bike which comfortably carries me up hills with a 20% advantage over the original spec I bought it with. The bike has now completed over 2000 miles since May with my being away for at least one month.

On my Carrera TDF the original 42T inner chain drive was attached to the 52T outer chain drive with hex nuts and bolts. I couldn't find a 34T inner chain drive on its own that would fit but I did find a 38T inner drive available from Ribble for £10. This means that with a hex key, a crank removal tool and a £10 38T inner chain drive it is possible to get a 10% advantage on the inclines compared with the standard spec 42T inner ring. I am keeping the rebuilt 52/38T chainset in reserve for when I have finished enjoying going up hills with my new 34T 'granny' cog!

The other change I considered was replacing the rear cassette but from what I read this sounded more complicated, may have required a new rear derailleur and would have still left me battling with inclines with a 42T inner ring.

The other changes I've made to my Carrera TDF include SPD pedals and, having had 5 punctures in two weeks on the standard spec Kendas, 2 x Continental Gatorskins @ £21 each. Touch wood, I've not had a puncture since.

I'm now delighted with my Carrera TDF Limited Edition and hope this may help any other long suffering Carrera TDF owners who are struggling with the inclines.

 

[Joshua Plumtree]

I have the same bike.

Not sure why it comes with a 52/42, as you say, would be a much better bike with a 50/34. I'll replace the original when it's seen better days.

It's the only bike I sometimes wish I had a lower gear to call on. And I live in Norfolk! Can't imagine trying to use it in the Peak District!

 

[Ian H]

For replacement chainrings in a wide range of tooth sizes and spider sizes/types, try Spa Cycles. Google them.

 

[Roadrider48]

I have had a TDF since May '13'.
It was my first road bike, like you. Never had a problem with it. Although I did change the tyres straight away.

 

[Mongoose]

I have had a TDF since May '13'.
It was my first road bike, like you. Never had a problem with it. Although I did change the tyres straight away.

Did your TDF come with the 52/42T chainset? From what I have read the TDFs have also been supplied with a 52/38T chainset.

Although I live on Anglesey which is generally fairly flat you can pick your ride to include some good climbs. I like to head off into Snowdonia as well, more so now that I have a decent low range of gears.

 

[Big_Dave]

Did your TDF come with the 52/42T chainset? From what I have read the TDFs have also been supplied with a 52/38T chainset.

Although I live on Anglesey which is generally fairly flat you can pick your ride to include some good climbs. I like to head off into Snowdonia as well, more so now that I have a decent low range of gears.

My TDF came with the 42/52 chainwheel, I have since converted it to a 30 speed, (3x10) 30/42/52 on the front, and 11/32 cassette.
You could convert yours to a 24 speed, all you will need is 30/42/52 chain wheel a square taper version is around £50-60, left hand shifter a tad under £50 and a front derailleur £20, your rear derailleur (I presume it is a Shimano Claris) will run a 11-32 cassette, and a new chain.
Some will say is it really worth converting, I did and it transformed the bike, worth it in my view

 

[G3CWI]

I walked out with a Carrera TDF Limited Edition (or Non-Limited Edition as it turned out)

Limited to as many as they can shift.

 

[Mongoose]

My TDF came with the 42/52 chainwheel, I have since converted it to a 30 speed, (3x10) 30/42/52 on the front, and 11/32 cassette.
You could convert yours to a 24 speed, all you will need is 30/42/52 chain wheel a square taper version is around £50-60, left hand shifter a tad under £50 and a front derailleur £20, your rear derailleur (I presume it is a Shimano Claris) will run a 11-32 cassette, and a new chain.
Some will say is it really worth converting, I did and it transformed the bike, worth it in my view

Thanks for your suggestions. Having battled up some decent drags over the last 1500 miles with the 52/42T set-up I've built up some sizeable muscles and the 50/34T set-up makes climbing a stroll in the park. I'll keep going with the compact double for the moment. At 17st, a pound here and a pound there doesn't make much difference. If I can lose 3 or 4 stone I will probably be treating myself to a new bike. Despite the mileage, for me, it doesn't come easily.

 

[Big_Dave]

Thanks for your suggestions. Having battled up some decent drags over the last 1500 miles with the 52/42T set-up I've built up some sizeable muscles and the 50/34T set-up makes climbing a stroll in the park. I'll keep going with the compact double for the moment. At 17st, a pound here and a pound there doesn't make much difference. If I can lose 3 or 4 stone I will probably be treating myself to a new bike. Despite the mileage, for me, it doesn't come easily.

Well Done, I'm over a stone heavier than you are, there is no way I could get up big hills on a 42 inner chainring, I have the leg power but suffer with lung capacity.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

@Mongoose I would have done what @Big_Dave did but I love triples, the reason you cant find a chain ring less than 38th is they can't make them to fit 130BCD chainset, a 50/34 has a 110BCD which is why its called a compact (and not the size of the rings) I actually have a compact triple and a normal triple, but it has a really odd inner ring BCD so I can't change it, the other is pretty normal at 74mm BCD, but has 172.5mm crank-arms and I have got use to 170mm crank-arms now.
I am saving for a new chain set at Spa cycles (not that its really need) but it looks nice with the chain rings, plus it gives me many more options re. gearing than my current one, one of which might be an even closer grouped cassette by using a 28th inner 28x25=30x27 (bar 3/10ths of an inch) its actually slightly long at 29.5" compared with my current 29.2" so instead of having a 12/13/14/15/16/17/19/21/24/27 cassette I could have a 12/13/14/15/16/17/19/21/23/25 and a front of 50/38/28, I would lose 4 inch on the top end but not a major issue and my middle ring will be better around the 15/16/17 area in effect dropping the gear to what would be the same as 16/17/18 on my current set up, so a bit better for spinning for me.

 

[Mongoose]

@Mongoose I would have done what @Big_Dave did but I love triples, the reason you cant find a chain ring less than 38th is they can't make them to fit 130BCD chainset, a 50/34 has a 110BCD which is why its called a compact (and not the size of the rings) I actually have a compact triple and a normal triple, but it has a really odd inner ring BCD so I can't change it, the other is pretty normal at 74mm BCD, but has 172.5mm crank-arms and I have got use to 170mm crank-arms now.
I am saving for a new chain set at Spa cycles (not that its really need) but it looks nice with the chain rings, plus it gives me many more options re. gearing than my current one, one of which might be an even closer grouped cassette by using a 28th inner 28x25=30x27 (bar 3/10ths of an inch) its actually slightly long at 29.5" compared with my current 29.2" so instead of having a 12/13/14/15/16/17/19/21/24/27 cassette I could have a 12/13/14/15/16/17/19/21/23/25 and a front of 50/38/28, I would lose 4 inch on the top end but not a major issue and my middle ring will be better around the 15/16/17 area in effect dropping the gear to what would be the same as 16/17/18 on my current set up, so a bit better for spinning for me.

Thanks for the feedback and I've read your message with interest. I'm happy to stick with a double chainset as I never used the smallest ring on my old Trek even on the killer hills. I've done a few miles, 470 at the time of writing to be exact, since end of August'14 with the new 50/34T set-up on the front and 12/26T on the back and I'm finding the big drop quite hard to manage comfortably. I keep finding my legs spinning at huge speed with no resistance changing down or straining to increase cadence when changing up. Sometimes I judge it perfectly and probably more practice would resolve this but I have decided now to try my original 52T outer ring with a 38T inner ring and change the rear cassette to 11/28T. I'm hoping this will give me a more comfortable shift at the front with a bit more speed on the downs (52/11) and what I hope will be an insignificant increase in gearing to tackle the ups (38/28).

I should have the new set-up in place for a 60 miler the day after tomorrow so watch this space. I'll be delighted if you can point out any flaws in my plans or if I have overlooked anything obvious.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Thanks for the feedback and I've read your message with interest. I'm happy to stick with a double chainset as I never used the smallest ring on my old Trek even on the killer hills. I've done a few miles, 470 at the time of writing to be exact, since end of August'14 with the new 50/34T set-up on the front and 12/26T on the back and I'm finding the big drop quite hard to manage comfortably. I keep finding my legs spinning at huge speed with no resistance changing down or straining to increase cadence when changing up. Sometimes I judge it perfectly and probably more practice would resolve this but I have decided now to try my original 52T outer ring with a 38T inner ring and change the rear cassette to 11/28T. I'm hoping this will give me a more comfortable shift at the front with a bit more speed on the downs (52/11) and what I hope will be an insignificant increase in gearing to tackle the ups (38/28).

I should have the new set-up in place for a 60 miler the day after tomorrow so watch this space. I'll be delighted if you can point out any flaws in my plans or if I have overlooked anything obvious.

A good option is a 52/36, however this also has the same problem as a 50/34 in the large jump, again a triple doesn't have this issue something manufacturers are seemingly ignoring the way the shifters seem to be progressing there will be no triples very soon. I very rarely use my 30th ring, though it does get used for better cadence control climbing sometimes, but usually where I would be on the 40x24 or 27 range which is some where in the middle of the cassette i.e. 16-19th 30x19=41.5" 40x27=39".
our topography is very similar to around here, though possibly with a tad more wind.
Hope this makes sense its probably easier than me explaining it.

Current set up on the left, intended on the right

as you can see by dropping the front by 2th on each ring and getting a closer grouped cassette I can retain the current gear range ( i very rarely use the 52x12) and when I got the bike it was 52x13=105" (it was actually a 52/42/30 with a 12-26 cassette) so you can see the range isn't that much different but better choice and the single step gearing certainly helps into wind as you also have the right gear.

 

[ChrisEyles]

Out of interest, what cassette/freewheel did your TDF come with on the back?

I have a 52/42 crankset paired with a 14-28 (five speed) freewheel on my old ten speed, which is just about OK - though I agree it's a big much if paired with a 11-24! I'd personally much rather get a lower gear with a big 32t sprocket on the back than with a big jump between chainrings up front, makes shifting patterns a lot easier IMO.

 

[Big_Dave]

Out of interest, what cassette/freewheel did your TDF come with on the back?

I have a 52/42 crankset paired with a 14-28 (five speed) freewheel on my old ten speed, which is just about OK - though I agree it's a big much if paired with a 11-24! I'd personally much rather get a lower gear with a big 32t sprocket on the back than with a big jump between chainrings up front, makes shifting patterns a lot easier IMO.

TDF came with 8 speed 12-26 Sram PG850 cassette, My Old Raleigh came with 42/52 and 14-24 6 speed freewheel although its now a 3x10 30/42/52 &11-32 cassette

 

[ChrisEyles]

The (new!) gearing on the Raleigh sounds perfect. Why more bikes aren't sold with this in the first place I don't know!