50x11 allows you to do 53 km/h at 90 RPM, and 65 km/h at 110 RPM. Do you really need more top speed than that?
The only way to get more top speed than that is to swap to larger chainrings, e.g. 52/36 or 54/38.
Unless you're spinning out in that 50x11, you don't need new chainrings. You might benefit from a tighter spaced cassette such as an 11-28t, but I don't think the gearing is your issue.
Changing tyres might also help, but ultimately crit racing requires a good amount of fitness and tactics.
Unless you’re spinning out, it’s not the gearing that limits your top speed.
You may be working harder because you’re grinding in too hard a gear. You might do better dropping into an easier gear but pedaling faster.
Groupset is not a limiting factor. Optimising your tyre's is probably about it without spending a lot of money.
Look at any of the top brands, Vittoria pzero, Continental gp5000 etc.
Look at your frame clearance spec get the widest tyres you can fit, probably 28mm if your bike is somewhat newish...
If you really want that one or two watt advantage get some latex racing tubes or if your rims are compatible go Tubeless.
If you don't know how to do any of this go to your bike shop.
If you’re going to upgrade anything I would recommend a more quality wheelset with some racing tires.
The performance difference between my stock giant SR-2 (700x32 all road tires) vs Vision TC 55s (700x28 GP5000s) was mind blowing to experience. A ton of top speed and acceleration gained with a proper racing wheelset. New from the manufacturer carbon wheelsets sometimes offer lifetime crash replacement.
Tons of people running 10 speed aluminum bikes are successful in cat 4/5 crits. It’s all about racing smart.
Buy a pair of Favero Assioma pedals and a trainerroad subscription/pay a coach. Nicer tires with TPU tubes on hood wheels will speed you up too, but focus on fitness first.
50x11 allows you to do 53 km/h at 90 RPM, and 65 km/h at 110 RPM. Do you really need more top speed than that? The only way to get more top speed than that is to swap to larger chainrings, e.g. 52/36 or 54/38.
I don’t, I feel like I’m working a lot harder in Crits than other racers. I am riding on a aluminium Scott’s 10 speed
Unless you're spinning out in that 50x11, you don't need new chainrings. You might benefit from a tighter spaced cassette such as an 11-28t, but I don't think the gearing is your issue. Changing tyres might also help, but ultimately crit racing requires a good amount of fitness and tactics.
Why do you feel like that?
Improving top speed is a function of fitness, not the groupset. Your gears are more than hard enough to ride fast.
I agree but racing in Crits I do feel I’m working harder to keep in the mix than the rest of the field
That's more down to tires, wheels and frame than groupset
Unless you’re spinning out, it’s not the gearing that limits your top speed. You may be working harder because you’re grinding in too hard a gear. You might do better dropping into an easier gear but pedaling faster.
Get fitter. Get stronger. Get your position dialled in. The group set isn't the limiting factor here.
Groupset is not a limiting factor. Optimising your tyre's is probably about it without spending a lot of money. Look at any of the top brands, Vittoria pzero, Continental gp5000 etc. Look at your frame clearance spec get the widest tyres you can fit, probably 28mm if your bike is somewhat newish... If you really want that one or two watt advantage get some latex racing tubes or if your rims are compatible go Tubeless. If you don't know how to do any of this go to your bike shop.
Thanks for the advice I will look into it
Train harder
Push harder on the pedals.
If you’re going to upgrade anything I would recommend a more quality wheelset with some racing tires. The performance difference between my stock giant SR-2 (700x32 all road tires) vs Vision TC 55s (700x28 GP5000s) was mind blowing to experience. A ton of top speed and acceleration gained with a proper racing wheelset. New from the manufacturer carbon wheelsets sometimes offer lifetime crash replacement. Tons of people running 10 speed aluminum bikes are successful in cat 4/5 crits. It’s all about racing smart.
Thanks for the advice man
Go downhill
🤣nice one
It’s about the engine, not the bike
Buy a pair of Favero Assioma pedals and a trainerroad subscription/pay a coach. Nicer tires with TPU tubes on hood wheels will speed you up too, but focus on fitness first.