Originally Posted by
TheDudeIsHere
Only you can answer that. Do you have the strength to use the current set up? Are you struggling doing the 1,000 ft per every 10 miles? Does your conditioning not allow you to use the current set up? Do you need lower climbing gears.
1,000 ft per 10 miles is not that much. Around here and 8 mile climb gives one 2,300 ft of gain. When I was training for climbing rides, it was no problem on a 53/39- 12/26 cassette.
I also did a ride with 12,000 ft in the first 72 miles.
Not saying anything about your fitness or strength. Only that YOU ask if you should swap to a compact. Only you know the answer.
My opinion, if you are training as you say, you shouldn't have a problem with that type of gain. If you feel you need it, then yes! Nobody can answer that but you.
well, honestly, I probably don't need a compact crank. Just thinking it might be nice since i'm climbing so much this year. Had my best mileage (and over 150,000 ft of climbing last year) and so far this year is looking to be at least as good,
I'm looking to climb the ten largest climbs (according to wikipedia) in Georgia this year. From what I understand, some of these climbs are gravel, so at least a few of them will be on my mountain bike with 26gi. Here is the list and elevations (there are two tied for 10th):1 Brasstown Bald 4,784 ft
2 Rabun Bald 4,696 ft
3 Dick's Knob 4,600 ft
4 Hightower Bald 4,568 ft
5 Wolfpen Ridge 4,561 ft
6 Blood Mountain 4,458 ft
7 Tray Mountain 4,430 ft
8 Grassy Ridge 4,400 ft
9 Slaughter Mountain 4,338 ft
10 Double Spring Knob 4,280 ft
10 Coosa Bald 4,280 ft
In theory, this is an interesting goal. In practicality, not so much. A lot of these mountains don't have roads that go up. This is just to give you an idea of where i'm at.
Dave