Bigger chain rings used by pros: 54 - 40, (I use 50 -34)

Wheels of Happiness Many pros are using bigger chain ring; 54 - 40, 56 - 44. Pros can ride at 60 kph

Advantages:   straighter chain line, less bending of chain and therefore less friction.  (But I guess this hard on the thighs and calf) Only for Iron men.!

They can handle steep mountain roads at 40 - 34.  My bikes have following chain rings:   50-34, 52 -36,  and 44 -34 - 24 (for MTB)    I am a mere mortal.

Adding 4 links to my MTB chain

Wheels of Happiness

This post installed a 42t cog to the MTB.  (from 36th)   So thats 6 additional teeth and the RD looks a little bit stretched and ready to break.  So I decided to add 4 links from extra chain length I hid when I changed my chains.    I thought of having the bike shop install this, not quite trusting my chain installation skills.  But later during the day, I decided I could do this.   I hope the chain would not break come hill climb time.

More vid on Stage 5, TT Caen to Caen - Jonas struggles

Wheels of Happiness

More vids on 5th Stage TT, 33 km course,    Jonas Vinegaard struggles.