damerell

So the Sugino 52/34 finally came, but it's moved my chainrings about 1cm right, and the old front derailleur can't reach; so I had to commute with a 34/15 top gear (the 34/13 rubs) which made for slow progress since if you spin like a little bitch you can make about 18mph.

Now, however, I know why "Tiagra" parts are named after the famous drug; the new derailleur I have bought will help me get it up (onto the 52).

A shorter BB spindle wouldn't hurt, but I have stripped BB threads and have to use the wierd "threadless" BBs that screw into themselves, which are only available in long spindle lengths unless you chase all over for a measly 5mm reduction - however since these BBs don't have any inherent left-rightness I can flip it over and fit spacers to move the right crank fairly far right.

Unavoidable increase in Q-factor (pedal separation), but the new MKS platforms (with toeclips still) are quite nice and make up for it to a degree. Kept the old cranks because I plan to build a fixed gear at some point and lower Q-factor clearly helps avoid pedal touchdown in corners on a fixie.

Still, the end result - a 34/34 low gear - should be worth the effort.