50 34 vs 53 39: Which One Is Suitable For You?

Choosing the better gearing setup on new road bikes is very important for us. There’s always an ongoing controversy on which one is better between both.

If you are also undergoing such difficulty then you’re in the perfect place. We’ve prepared a detailed comparison between both categories.

So wanna know which one is better in 50 34 vs 53 39?

In the case of weight, 53 39 is better being lightweight. 50 34 is slightly heavier and difficult to carry. Again, 53/39 is a bit complicated but 50 34 is simpler to set up. In thickness, 53 39 is better with 14 teeth whereas 50 34 comes with 14 teeth.

Seems fascinating? Well, there has been just an overview of their differences. For more things join us in the comprehensive discussion. Then let’s go into the details!

50 34 vs 53 39: Basic Comparison

Let’s have a glance at the quick comparison between 50 34 vs 53 39 crankset!

Maybe you are confused about seeing the comparison in the first place. Well, no worries! We will talk about these in the following section.

50 34 vs 53 39: Detailed Comparison

Now it is time that we move into the elements of what these variations apply. If you are thinking about 50/34 vs 53/39 chainring, then keep reading!

Weight:

A compact chainset allows for fewer gear ratios, making it simpler to climb steep hills. A compact chainset is considered more useful. For many newcomers to road cycling than a larger chainset.

The weight of 50 34 and 53 39 is different from each other. The number is about 90 grams or so. 53 39 is a little bit heavier than the 50 34. 53 39’s weight is about 890g.

On the other hand, the weight of 50 34 is 807g. It is a little bit lighter than the 53 39.

Winner: 50 34

Gear Shifting: 

Between a 50 and a 34, the chain must hop 16 teeth to make up for the difference in teeth. But on the 53 39, 14 teeth to hop.

So, while shifting gears on the 50 34, it’s a bit of a hassle. You might need to shift the rear gear a couple more times to catch the next gear. It’s when you are shifting from the 34 to the 50.

However, the gap between 39 and 50 is less than 50-34. So it’s easier to catch the next gear when you shift from 39 to 50.

Here’s our recommendation for the best 53 39 cranksets out there.

• SHIMANO Ultegra R8000– Made of Aluminum, Bolt Circle Diameter: 110mm 
• SRAM Apex Crank Set– Forged Alloy cranked arms, 130 BCD
• SHIMANO 6800 Ultegra– Designed in a way to reduce chain drops

Winner: 53 39

Climbing and Regular Commuting

Now when it comes to hill climbing, 53 39 is not recommended at all. It would be much harder to use a 53 39 to climb uphill. But a 50 34 is just perfect for climbing. You don’t have to break that much sweat here in comparison with 53 39.

You can try from these 50 34 crankset for climbing.

However, for road setup, 53 39 is better. Why? That’s because you don’t have to shift that much with this on the road. But with a 50 34, you might need to shift a bit more to get to the next gear. And that can be a hassle to you.

Winner: 50 34 for climbing. 50 39 for regular commuting.

Set up:

Let’s compare a typical setup of a standard 53/39 – 12/23 with a compact 50/34 – 11/21. You have almost the same ratios at either end of the limits. 

The standard 53 has the same gear range as the 39. Make sure the nuts and bolts are perfectly tightened and the arms are not coming loose.

Winner: Tie

Thickness:

It is a simple matter of logic: the difference between a 53-tooth ring and a 39 tooth ring is 14 teeth. 

Between a 50 and a 34, the chain must hop 16 teeth to make up for the difference in teeth. So, the thickness is more on the 53 39 than the 50 34. It is not much, but it is something.

If you don’t like thick cranksets, then 50 34 is the way to go.

Winner: Depends on perspective 

Estimation:

The tiny 50/34 chainring combination, an option to triple chainring chainsets, just gained popularity approximately ten years ago.

But the mid-small 53/39 variety has only been available for a few years. This implies that if you have an older cycle or a race-style bike that you are using to train in the mountains, you may have larger chainrings than you would like to have on it.

So, the 53 39 is a recent innovation. It’s an update from the 50 34.

Winner: 50/39

Final Verdict!:

Now it’s time for the limelight of the show. If you want better performance, 50 34 might be a good option. That’s because of its lightweight. It’s also going to be a far better option if you are more into climbing uphill.

But if you are a regular rider on roads, this much shifting on the 50 34 can be a hassle. So you might wanna go with a 53 39. Make sure to pick the finest gravel cranksets out there!

So, which one to select will depend on your demands and desires. Hopefully, now you know which one to go for.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

53/34 with 11-28 cassette good enough for climbing?

Yes. 53/34 with 11-28 cassette is a decent combination for climbing. However, it mostly depends on the weight of the rider. The less the weight of the rider, the better.

What gears do pro cyclists use?

The pro cyclist may employ 53/39 chainrings with an 11/21 cassette on flat or rolling stages. They move to a massive cog of 23 T or 25 T when the mountains become modest.

How much lower might the chain be positioned about the front tire?

The chain from the large front indicated a strong correlation must be at least 5mm lower than the bottom derailleur wheel. 

Conclusion

That’s all for today from us about 50 34 vs 53 39. Hopefully, we’ve helped you with which gear is appropriate for you. 

Before purchasing, do keep in mind that you should choose according to your demands. And remember to do maintenance on it.

Thank you for staying with us till the end. Wish you a good day!