New chain ring

[564racer]

Hi! im new to the forum and fairly new to bike mechanics. I have a question thats just been bugging me lately. I've been looking for a new a new chain wheel combination. I currently have a bio pace chain ring which i dislike. I'd like to switch to a round chain ring. I understand that any chain ring with a 130mm bcd will fit my schwinn 564. but What about tooth count? I guess tooth count will change the gearing and feel of the bike. I currently have a 52-42 tooth count. I have both the option of switching back to a 52-42 or a new 53-39? What would changing to a 53-39 do? would it make my high gears higher and my low gears less low? Which would you recomend for a 7 speed set up? thanks for any help. and sorry if this is a noob question.

[artemidorus]

I'd go to 53/39 if you're fit and live in a relatively flat area, or else 34/50 (new crankset). If the former, you won't notice the high gear change, but you will notice that your lower gear is a little lower.

[564racer]

thanks for the quick response. Well i live in central florida which is relatively flat. So i might opt for the 53/39. What would you define as fit? will there be a drastic change in my gearing?

[artemidorus]

What would you define as fit? will there be a drastic change in my gearing?
It's only going to be a little easier on hills than it is is now; if you can manage 52/42, then you're fit enough for 53/39.