Originally Posted by
Koyote
All you people who are writing about gearing are ignoring a crucial element: gradient.
I used to do some big climbing events in Colorado, where I rode them quite well with 53-39 in front and 12-25 in back. Out there, the grades tend to be lower and the climbs longer, so taller gears work fine.
Now I live in western Pennsylvania, where the climbs are shorter but very very steep - I’ve climbed a hill that has a max grade of 37%. Lower gears are essential.
Yeah, I’ve been in Pennsylvania. Serious hills! We have some steep ones here, especially the close ones tumbling to the Missouri River, but maximum surface relief of maybe 200 feet. My low ratios on both bikes are 1.5 and there are some hills that beat me up, but at least they are over after at worst five minutes.
My favorites are the nice steady grades at 5-6%. Those I can just attack and finish off at decent speed and not need much recovery. But yeah the grade matters!
Otto