Cross Chaining, how terrible is it really?

[Big_Dave]

As others have said, I avoid big-big, small-small. The only exception is my 1x10, use the lot.

I can't see the point of having 10/20/30 gears and not using half of them. So if you've got a compact double 2x10 and don't use two at the top and two at the bottom on both chainrings, your 20 speed is now 12, **** that!

I use my bike to ride, when things wear out they get replaced. This usually all happens at the same time anyway, it's a tool, not something that needs mothering.

As I said, I set mine up so the middle chainring can use all 10, in effect the same set up as 1 x 10, All 30 gears work but noisier operation on big/big or small small but just my personal choice not to use those gears, but having said that strictly speaking you don't have 30 gears as such due to the several duplicate ratios giving pretty much the same "gear inches".

 

[Nigelnaturist]

One thing not mentioned is the cage movement when on a large x large the cage will be at it most forward postion and if the chain is a little short can lead to noise plus it also at its most extreme angle side to side, I know my 105 set up doesn't like my 52x24 or 27 (though it works), and the chain is the right length, on my middle ring (40th )I can use all 10 gears and my small when I use it. I do tend to avoid the high end, again if the chain is to long the cage has too much slack to take up and the chain can rub on the cage.

@Big_Dave depends how you set the front up, choosing the right chain rings can give you half gear stepping between gears, not as critical as it used to be with so many on the rear these days.

I have on my 30sp only 4 that are duplicates as such.

As my avg gear inch is about 60-61" you can see that the 40x17 is about as straight as I can get for a chain line, try that on a double.

 

[Bodhbh]

If I end up in a silly combo, it generally dawns on me before long - big/big is noisy, small/small the chain slips. Either way, I wouldn't ride around like that long enough anyhow to worry about wear. Big/big does pull the rear mech into an unhealthy looking position tho.

 

[Big_Dave]

One thing not mentioned is the cage movement when on a large x large the cage will be at it most forward postion and if the chain is a little short can lead to noise plus it also at its most extreme angle side to side, I know my 105 set up doesn't like my 52x24 or 27 (though it works), and the chain is the right length, on my middle ring (40th )I can use all 10 gears and my small when I use it. I do tend to avoid the high end, again if the chain is to long the cage has too much slack to take up and the chain can rub on the cage.

@Big_Dave depends how you set the front up, choosing the right chain rings can give you half gear stepping between gears, not as critical as it used to be with so many on the rear these days.

I have on my 30sp only 4 that are duplicates as such.

View attachment 55090

As my avg gear inch is about 60-61" you can see that the 40x17 is about as straight as I can get for a chain line, try that on a double.

Generally I flip between the chain wheels to get the "split" gears as I'm sure you do, just a matter of using your gears to your advantage, some are useful, that's why I go triple rather than double

 

[Big_Dave]

Chainrings, cassette & chain are not exactly big beans to replace.

That depends on what I think isn't big beans and what the Mrs thinks is big beans "its only a bloody push bike... blah blah blah"..... enter selective deafness mode and buy it anyway

 

[Nigelnaturist]

If I end up in a silly combo, it generally dawns on me before long - big/big is noisy, small/small the chain slips. Either way, I wouldn't ride around like that long enough anyhow to worry about wear. Big/big does pull the rear mech into an unhealthy looking position tho.

Shouldn't.
@Big_Dave it really depends on the chainrings, a better set up for me currently would be a 50/38/28 with 12/13/14/15/16/17/19/21/24/28 or 27, as this would emulate (almost) have a 18th on the rear avoiding the jump from 17-19, its still there just not at a gear length that would be so noticeable, usually on the flat into a little bit of wind. I ride virtually on the 40th ring as the 12-27 gives me almost my complete range, thats not to say I won't use the 30th and something in the middle when climbing simple because it gives better cadence options and will go high enough on the flat to get a decent sped up again and the 52th whilst I use on the flat I still opt for the middle again for better cadence.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

That depends on what I think isn't big beans and what the Mrs thinks is big beans "its only a bloody push bike... blah blah blah"..... enter selective deafness mode and buy it anyway

Even a 105 cassette and chain can be had for about £40 or the amount I ride once every 4-5 months or so.