zjrog

30 years ago, I pushed my MTB with a touring triple, 52/42/32 and 12-30 6 speed cluster... And my main roadbike had 52/42 and 12-27 or such. I hated to spin, but give me someone to chase down, and I'd spin it all day. Oh, to be that strong and fast today...

OK, I'm not that fast or strong today. That same old steel roadbike today has a 50/34 and a 12-30 cassette. Instead of 2x6, now it's 2x10. I've had a rough 10 years, knee replacement, broken back, achilles tendon repair and needing the other knee done... So no more gear jamming, I've learned to spin more. And I'm not planning to stand to chase anymore. I have nothing to prove today... Having said that, I'm beginning to ride a lightweight machine, that is my reward to myself for losing a LOT of weight this past year. That 2006 Cannondale CAAD8 R1000 has a 53/39, I paired that to a 11-32 cassette. I'm not going to race. And I am not going to struggle on hills if I can help it. I doubt I ever hit that 53-11 on the road, and maybe only on the workstand or if I drop the bike on a trainer.

The bike on my trainer is a 98 Cannondale R200. 3x7 for now. Probably forever. Can't recall the front except the big ring is 52, but the rear is a 12-27. It stays in the big ring, and I rarely hit the 12. Maybe more this coming winter as my endurance and strength improve. My heart rate was limited for most of the past year by my cardiologist (I hate being old enough to need a cardiologist!!!). But am free now for max efforts.