Originally Posted by KerryIrons

Over many decades (some) people have argued that "leverage" is somehow a magical number to be superimposed on gear ratio. It's not. Crank length studies abound and none have shown anything other than it is easier to spin higher rpm with shorter cranks. From that, if you want to spin, use lower gears and shorter cranks, and if you want to mash use taller gears and longer cranks. And if you do the latter expect to have more knee problems and have more difficulty holding speed for long distances. Note that every hour record set in the modern era has been at 100-110 rpm.