VegasJen

Once again, I had to go in to Vegas today so I took a bike. I took the Ridley TT bike because I'm trying to get used to that bike for my triathlons. Anyway, I've ridden highway 159 (Red Rock Canyon Rd) a couple dozen times. I have a solid 30 mile route mapped out that had some good ups and down.

Today, I thought I would try something different and rode the Red Rock Scenic Loop. Now, I've been through the scenic loop before, but by vehicle. Of course, the deceptive thing about being in a car is you don't quite get an appreciation for just how long and steep hills can be. After the entry gate at the loop it's 4.5 miles, almost entirely uphill. My map program shows a lot of 7-8% grade but there are a couple sections that are 12%. I hate to admit it, but I walked almost the last mile to the top. It was so long and steep. Just relentless. I hate walking. It's like admitting defeat. And at that point, I was defeated.

I think some of it is that the Ridley is just the wrong tool for that job. Because it is a TT bike, I only have two gears on the chain ring. I really could have used that extra low gear. Having said that, the reality is I'm just not as strong as I want to think I am. Especially going up a steep hill, carrying some extra weight sure isn't doing me any favors either.

Just for comparison, I might take my Roubiax out there next week and see if that extra gearing makes as much difference as I'm hoping.

tomato coupe

You're going to be even more humbled when you find out that it averages less than 4.5% and maxes out at about 9%.

VegasJen

Why should I trust your source more than mine?

Koyote

See, there's this thing called the internet. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20471302

Looks like the section you're talking about averages about a 3.6% grade with a max of 9.4%.

big john

If you're going to be climbing you should figure out the low gear you might need. It doesn't have to be a triple up front. Until recently my double ring bike was geared lower than the one with the triple. Someone gave me a bigger cassette so now the triple is lower, but the point is my double ring bike is low enough for anything I do.

Modern compact doubles come lower still, mine is 12 years old and has a 34x29 low gear.

VegasJen

Ya, I knew I was climbing, I just didn't realize how steep and for how long until I was already knee deep into it. But since this is my TT bike, I have been thinking of getting a second rear wheel with different gearing specifically for hilly routes like this. Some of these grades reminded me quite a bit of the Santa Barbara tri I did last fall, where I walked on that one too. But for a different reason at that time. I was using my Roubiax on that, and it has plenty of low gear for the inclines.

diphthong

if you've done it, you know the "loop" ain't no joke with that first 4-5 miles consistently uphill at a decent clip. those first few miles are plenty to dissuade/demoralize cyclists that don't like suffering/climbing, aren't in shape for it or just don't have the legs that day. if you haven't done it, you should. super scenic with some great curves/stretches on the (mostly) flat/downhill, last ten miles. fwiw, hit 11.4% grade on the initial/main climb at the start. there's a small 13.6% and an 18.9% double slap on the second half as well. also, fwiw, find strava a bit more accurate than ridewithgps altho neither is perfect. having done it, no way in hades it maxes at 9.4%. this is coming from a guy that has actively sought out/still seeks ugly, double-digit grades.

https://www.strava.com/activities/60...63465362185392

tt bike is not the bike for that particular course.

diphthong

take the roubaix out and it'll be a different experience.

VegasJen

Ya, I learned a lesson today. That first 5 miles are torture. I do expect either my Roubiax or K2 would be better for that leg. I'm not sure how much though. When I got off and walked it, I was only doing about 5.5mph anyway.

spelger

why do you guys insist on knocking her down? it almost seems like you take joy in it.

spelger

agree with this. they can exaggerate in either direction but i think that is for lesser traveled routes. my understanding about strava is that they update their elevation map mostly from those riding with pressure sensors.

tomato coupe

I was humbled when I was out sprinted by a young kid. I was more humbled when I found out he was only 11 years old. Get it?

diphthong

you'll be fine with the bike change. definitely not leisurely but doable on a non-tt bike with decent gearing for hills. you'll want at least a 34-27 combo to negotiate. save the tt bike for hitting the west side of lake mead.

DaveSSS 

What's needed is an adequate low gear, not more chain rings. Triple cranks aren't common these days. I really like having a bike computer that tells me the grade of the road I'm climbing. I have grades in the 12-16% range, so I have a 46/30 crank and 10-36 12 speed cassette. The 30/36 does get used for seated climbing of the steepest sections. I use my big ring on grades up to 8%, if they're not too long. A 46/28 works for out of the saddle climbing.

seypat

I got humbled yesterday as well. I was driving down the road and "I Don't Need No Doctor" came on the radio. I turned it up and let er rip.

Koyote

Reality is insulting?

CAT7RDR

When I figured out I can "rest" while still climbing with recovery, hills became a whole lot easier.
Good advice above about getting a proper climbing cassette like a 34 or 36 tooth cog so you can rest and recover then press on while still assaulting a long grade.
Find your cadence and gearing that keeps you out of the red.

spelger

no, reality is not insulting. but you are picking and choosing your reality. there are two links to that route in this thread. granted, you posted prior to the second's addition. the two sources show differing grades. and the second is backed up by someone who has done it. apparently not as easy as assumed. see post #7.

tomato coupe

According to PJAMM:
It shows the steepest, momentary grade to be 9.7%.

RiceAWay

Tri bikes are built for flat riding, Your Roubaix has gears, If you're not a climber just use low gears and take it easy the first couple of times until you know what to expect. Walking up and average grade of 4.5% for 4.5 miles on a tri bike is not embarrassing and don't let some natural climber tell you it is. My memory of the Death Ride wasn't that the hills were so steep but that the altitude took all of the oxygen away. So it shot your endurance.

RiceAWay

And how do you suppose that was measured? I have a local climb that goes from 9 to 10 to 11 and finally 12% over 2 miles on my Garmin but someone measure it with a level at 14% at the very top.

RiceAWay

Campy Record had a maximum cog in the 10 speed of 28 teeth ( You could squeeze in a 29) so triples were really popular with sport riders in hill country. I would force myself to do these rides in a 39 tooth double and you did not improve by doing that. You only learned to suffer.

RCMoeur 

Back when I raced, we'd change out freewheels prior to an event depending on the course. Criteriums got the straight-block, while steep road races would use freewheels with insanely huge cogs as (gasp!) 24 teeth. Gearing choices are much saner now, and swapping out a cassette is even easier than swapping a freewheel, as long as you have the lockring tool and a chain whip. Just make sure the derailleurs and chain can handle the largest front / rear sprocket combination.

Reynolds 

Happens to a lot of us. We think we are pretty good at it, until we enter a race.

Jimriides

I find a 10% grade incredibly difficult after miles of 6-8% grade. Especially if you double down and hit the lesser grade hard not knowing what is ahead. On the other hand after doing the Tram Road at Palm Springs many times and knowing it well, it is a pleasure to suffer up. Great job Op, keep on keepin’ on!