I'm going to be replacing my Crankset this week since my current one has lost more teeth than a hillbilly. I have the option of going with the 44-32-22 9-speed that is currently on it or change it for a 48-36-26 9-speed.
I ride fast XC and lately I've been wishing for more top end speed. And since I only ever climb in the middle ring I can't see any reason not to go for the 48-36-26.
44 is better but only if you are racing..42t is the normal way to go and 40 is better if you can get one !
48..mother of God thats massive ! I haven't time to explain in detail but you will have serious issues with a 48 !
If you're spinning out a 48/11 you're going to the olympics.
You can easily get 38, 40 or 42 middle rings from starbike.com (TA Chinook rings). My advice is to dump the big ring and put a 40 t in the middle (2x9).
dont mind them 48 x 11 on a fire road and you are hammering along but you will clip the big ring on rocks that a 44 would miss. the only way to know if it will work for you is to try it .
You can easily get 38, 40 or 42 middle rings from starbike.com (TA Chinook rings). My advice is to dump the big ring and put a 40 t in the middle (2x9).
That'll be the plan when I get to work on a more focused bike. Thanks.