It is brilliant and I have been recommending the use of non boost chain rings on boost bikes for most riders in the Sea to Sky for several years. It optimises the chain line for the gears that one uses for the majority of the ride time (and the most torque into the system) versus the perfect chain line for the top level racer.
The average (good) rider is not pedalling to go faster when travelling in the 25 - 35 kmph range on downhill technical single track. They are pumping and using an occasional half crank to clear a trail obstacle or allow the leg muscles to feel a different position. Racers, a different breed with different requirements. Unfortunately the 520% cassette and boost chain line are optimised for a bit of a 'do everything' situation.
Also park the ego and pick a chain ring that allows the alloy 51/52 to be an emergency bail out gear rather than something that is in regular use.
Common sense and savvy use of the mountain bike maintenance dollar as far as I am concerned.
May 24, 2022, 12:58 p.m. - AndrewR
It is brilliant and I have been recommending the use of non boost chain rings on boost bikes for most riders in the Sea to Sky for several years. It optimises the chain line for the gears that one uses for the majority of the ride time (and the most torque into the system) versus the perfect chain line for the top level racer. The average (good) rider is not pedalling to go faster when travelling in the 25 - 35 kmph range on downhill technical single track. They are pumping and using an occasional half crank to clear a trail obstacle or allow the leg muscles to feel a different position. Racers, a different breed with different requirements. Unfortunately the 520% cassette and boost chain line are optimised for a bit of a 'do everything' situation. Also park the ego and pick a chain ring that allows the alloy 51/52 to be an emergency bail out gear rather than something that is in regular use. Common sense and savvy use of the mountain bike maintenance dollar as far as I am concerned.