Originally Posted by
krispenhartung
I went with 48x14 yesterday and took a spin around the track, did a few standing and rolling lap sprints, etc. Felt pretty good so I'll try that. However, if the guys are fast and frisky tonight (it appears the regional masters 50+ champ will be in the field, who also races Cat 1 elite), I may have to bump up to 52x15. That would be convenient, actually, given it's what I use for a 2K. My may goal tonight as a new Cat 3 racer is to just hang on and survive, grab a wheel, not screw myself over.
1) Try not to overthink it.
2) Your competitors are wondering the same thing.
3) Feel it out. Your gearing can change based on current fitness, where you are in your annual training, energy level during the race night, caffeine level, atmospheric conditions, pack speeds.
The cool thing is that your legs and lungs are the things that smooth out those variables. You now have a *range* of cadences that you can use.
You'll be fine.