Big ring vs little ring

[berty bassett]

Could anyone help me with this question please and i will apologise now as it might well be a silly question !
If i am in lets say gear 14 - big chain ring and 3 , or in the similar cadence/speed gear in the small chainring about 8 or 9 . are my legs working harder because i am in the big chain ring . It even sounds a stupid question as i am typing ! maybe its all in my head but it seems like it tires me quicker in the big ring . Quite prepared for a barrage of sarcasm but would be nice to be told if there is any difference eventually as well - thanks

 

[Vapin' Joe]

If the gear ratio is the same there will be no difference in effort required. I think you're suffering from "If I'm on the big ring it must be harder" syndrome.

Happens to us all. Now be quiet and finish your dinner.

 

[Milkfloat]

It totally depends on your exact gearing. There are plenty of gears that are the same/similar depending on big/small ring and in theory if the gearing is exactly the same then big/small should not matter unless you have friction from cross chaining or rubbing on a mech.

 

[Venod]

Some interesting reading here.

http://cyclingtips.com.au/2010/04/the-big-ring-mechanical-or-psychological-advantage/

 

[Hip Priest]

You only need to put it in the big ring when you're taking photos of your bike.

 

[Big Dave laaa]

Sur la plaque!

 

[Hacienda71]

You should consider which ring to use by which gives you the best chain line. Unfortunately compacts have a big jump from large to small so can encourage staying in the big ring even if your chainline is not good.

 

[berty bassett]

thanks for quick replies - and some were even helpful !! but are you definitly sure ? i've been thinking of this while i have been having my dinner and i know little demons can creep in when your trying hard and i might be finding excuses - any chance of a scientific formula

 

[Citius]

any chance of a scientific formula

Just consult one of the many gear tables available on the internet.

 

[Dan B]

any chance of a scientific formula

Divide the number of teeth on the chainring by the number on the sprocket (higher numbers are harder to push, but will make you go further). If you have more than one bike with different wheel sizes, multiply by wheel size (radius, diameter, circumference, whatever)

 

[Deleted member 1258]

You only need to put it in the big ring when you're taking photos of your bike.

My big ring is only a 44, so I need to use it.

 

[Lonestar]

My big ring is only a 44, so I need to use it.

My small ring is 46 and my big ring is 52.Think I need to redo it.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

My small ring is 46 and my big ring is 52.Think I need to redo it.

Only if it doesn't suit you. I'm running 44/38 with 10 speed 12-27 on the back, suits my legs.

 

[Lonestar]

Only if it doesn't suit you. I'm running 44/38 with 10 speed 12-27 on the back, suit my legs.

Yup im sure I have similar on back.On the fixie im running a 50/15.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Yup im sure I have similar on back.On the fixie im running a 50/15.

I'm running 46x18 68 inch gear on my fixed.