i ride but that doesn't mean i know exactly what i'm riding...

[kedab]

However ....

You should never use small front to small back or large back to large front as this puts strain on the system

this i am aware of - unless i feel entirely feeble on the bike i don't often change down to the little ring and don't click right down the gears in the big - i believe that the chain should remain as straight as possible, this is correct, no? so, if i feel the need to spin more freely, i'll only click down to the little ring if i need to pass the middle (5th/6th?) ring on the cassette while in the big one...that makes sense, doesn't it?

i should add that i'm no mountain goat - the only reason i don't need to use the little ring that often is because i live in the fen - it's very very flat around here.

 

[kedab]

Less teeth, so it's gear range is smaller, so yes it's easier.

aha! just as well i picked it then

 

[gbb]

this i am aware of - unless i feel entirely feeble on the bike i don't often change down to the little ring and don't click right down the gears in the big - i believe that the chain should remain as straight as possible, this is correct, no? so, if i feel the need to spin more freely, i'll only click down to the little ring if i need to pass the middle (5th/6th?) ring on the cassette while in the big one...that makes sense, doesn't it?

i should add that i'm no mountain goat - the only reason i don't need to use the little ring that often is because i live in the fen - it's very very flat around here.

A few miles away in Peterborough here and to be honest, unless there's a good reason (lack of fitness, knees etc etc) there's no need for a compact, or more particually the 34T inner . Its as good as useless round here. But no problem... for £15 to £20, buy a 38 or 40T inner ring (110BCD of course) and convert your bike to a 50/40 say. Then you'll find the 40 (or 38, depending on your choice) will get regular use. Its infinately more useable that way, especially if you want to spin.
Replacing the inner is easy too, 1/2 an hour, you dont even have to take the chain off. No other mods required, barring perhaps moving the dog fangto the new position by the 38 or 40.

 

[kedab]

A few miles away in Peterborough here and to be honest, unless there's a good reason (lack of fitness, knees etc etc) there's no need for a compact, or more particually the 34T inner . Its as good as useless round here. But no problem... for £15 to £20, buy a 38 or 40T inner ring (110BCD of course) and convert your bike to a 50/40 say. Then you'll find the 40 (or 38, depending on your choice) will get regular use. Its infinately more useable that way, especially if you want to spin.
Replacing the inner is easy too, 1/2 an hour, you dont even have to take the chain off. No other mods required, barring perhaps moving the dog fangto the new position by the 38 or 40.

appreciate that advice gbb - it is something that i'll be looking at in the next couple of months for sure