Is 50 ish Chain ring really needed?

[User33236]

I spent time on my commute this morning on 50x11 into a headwind!

OK I was drafting the Transit in front of me but it was funfun.

 

[User16625]

Yep

(I run 53x11 on most of my bikes)

Oh, and it's an average.

My bicycle has a 50x11 gear. This is good enough for 50mph, at this point trying to pedal even faster seems to cause instability. A higher gear still wouldnt allow me to go any faster on the same descent. Even at 40mph, im still not using this gear.

 

[DaveReading]

My bicycle has a 50x11 gear. This is good enough for 50mph, at this point trying to pedal even faster seems to cause instability.

I'm not surprised - assuming 700C wheels, you'd be pedalling at a cadence of around 140 rpm at that speed.