I'm confused, so forgive me, but I'm gonna have to ask a stupid question:

Quote Originally Posted by li10up View Post
Background: Anyhow, he suggested I go from my 50-34 chain rings to a 50-36. This is because I run out of gears in my small chain ring and frequently have to ride in the big ring.
Isn't that what the big ring is for?

I got my rings changed because I couldn't get a small enough gear. I was walking my bike up hills. What I needed was not within the range given by my 2 rings. So I switched my small ring for something smaller. (I also switched my big ring for something smaller)

Now, if I ever became a total stud muffin and found myself spinning empty on my largest gear, I might need to switch my big ring for something bigger... but that's not likely to happen for me!

I understand switching rings to get a gear that is outside your current range. Done it myself. But I'm lost as to why he wanted you in the smaller ring more.

Were you cross chaining?