I am a 21-year-old athlete currently in a high-intensity 16-week training plan for 5K and 10K events. Using a 48/14 gear ratio on 29-inch wheels (approx. 2.3 meters per revolution), my training data shows I am hitting the following speeds based on my cadence:
- 80 RPM: 22.5 km/h
- 100 RPM: 28.2 km/h
- 120 RPM: 33.8 km/h
- 125 RPM: 35.3 km/h (Current Max Speed)
Despite only having 900km to 1,300km on this drivetrain, the metal is already showing severe "hooking" or "shark fin" wear. I am considering switching to hardened steel 48/52/56-tooth front chainrings and a 10-14 tooth cog at the back to handle the torque I’m producing.
With my background in automotive mechanics and engine rebuilding, my "fitter's eye" tells me it is dangerous to redline a machine with this much visible wear at 35+ km/h. I’m worried about a total mechanical failure or chain slip during high-intensity intervals.
Does the community agree that this drivetrain is physically exhausted and unsafe for high-output training?
Training Data for reference:
- Recent 35.3 km/h Max Session: https://connect.garmin.com/app/activity/22698010427
- Post-Break Return (27.1 km/h Max): https://connect.garmin.com/app/activity/22638390230
- Previous Bike Fit Data: https://connect.garmin.com/app/activity/20848029238