Chainline on Compacts

[Sittingduck]

Hi All

After a bit of advice from knowledgeable folks but in their absence I'll settle for you lot

On a compact chainset is it the done thing to use all 9 or 10 rear sprockets regardless of which chainring you're in? Maybe one should only be using, say 1-6 on the rear if in the smaller chainring and 4-9 if in the larger front ring? I am presuming that chainline is less of an issue on a compact double than a triple...

Question is due to potential choice of cassette, if I am to go for a compact groupset. Was looking at 12 - 25 or 13 -29 (I'm ropey going up hills!).

Cheers
SD

 

[Aperitif]

Probably the chainring that you choose will come with documentation and advice on gear selection Sittingduck.
Generally it is a good idea to keep the chain as straight as practicable - so you wouldn't be riding big front/big back or small front/small back as you obviously get a skewed chain line and maybe the chain will rub on the larger ring at times...
My father in law, who is a bit tasty on sloping bits uses a cassette with a 28 or 29? on the block fitted to his Orca - but he is 74, you're a bit younger, and, you are not ropey going up hills!
Expert stuff is bound to follow this post but good luck with the project anyway.

 

[jimboalee]

Running the chain Big/big or small/small is called 'crossing up'.

Experienced cyclist following you will see you as a retard with no concept of how your bike works.

 

[jimboalee]

ps.

Your rear mech literature should advise the max sprocket size.

Check if you have a short, medium or long mech cage. If its a short cage, the upper jockey wheel will be pushing the chain against the sprocket (when using the large sprocket) and making a buzzing sound with a bit of vibration.
This is not harmful, but following cyclists will see you as a retard with no concept of how your bike works.

 

[Steve Austin]

Running the chain at extremes just makes it wear quicker, so its poor form for anyone to ride like this.
Of course if you don't mind replacing chains/cassettes every few weeks then feel free

 

[gbb]

Running the chain Big/big or small/small is called 'crossing up'.

Experienced cyclist following you will see you as a retard with no concept of how your bike works.

Harsh.....but probably true

 

[Sittingduck]

I suppose what I should have asked was:

Does the big ring to small cog thing have less effect on a double (having only ever owned a triple.

No matter - Guess I'll just have tio risk looking like a retard with no concept of how my bike works.

Eh jimboalee?