Looking in to getting a 36t chainring, can't find it online.

I switched from a compact 50/34, their were too many gear ranges that I didn't get any use out of. I've been using a standard 52/39 with a 12-28 cassette for a little under 2 months and its perfect for 20-40 mile rides or rolling to flatfish terrain. I rarely ever go into the 39 on these types of rides and stay in the 52/12 and 2-3 gears under primarily. On longer hilly rides, it isn't ideal.

My riding style usually involves pushing higher gear initially, then spinning when my legs are cooked. No advice needed on changing my riding style, its just my preference. I think a 36 may suit me better since I rarely use the 39 on shorter rides and will have a lower bail out gear on longer ones.

My current crankset is a Tiagra 10 speed 52/39. Any Idea where I can find a 36t inner ring and approximately how much these things usually cost? If I cant find it online, I'll ask a bike shop owner.

 

The version of Tiagra that you're using is 4600. 4600 cranks are available with either a 130 mm BCD (bolt center diameter), which is standard, or a 110 mm BCD, which is compact. 52/39 chain rings on 4600 indicate that you have the standard crank set. 36t rings are only available for compact. It's a simple matter of geometry. You can't stretch 36t around a 130 mm bolt pattern.

The new version of Tiagra, 4700, uses the 110 mm BCD for two ring combinations, 52/36 and 50/34. If you want that 36t ring badly enough, you will need to convert to a compact crankset. Ask the bike shop owner.

 

Nice summary, thanks! Its not critically, but would be nice to get a 36. I've just been experimenting with my preferred crank/cassette arrangement for a few months and think a 52/36 would be ideal. I've never had to walk the bike and if I decide to do some really steep stuff, I can buy a 12/30 cassette for less than 30. I also kept the compact crank that I swapped out as well.

 

If you have a 110 mm BCD 5-bolt crankset, then these folks have the last 52/36t chain ring set you'll ever need.
http://www.praxiscycles.com/product/compact-road-sets/

Costs a little more but reportedly worth it.