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gearing for new bike

Robert SaboRobert Sabo
in General Training Discussions

Ordered a new bike but haven't selected the actual gearing for my DA 11.  I have been using regular cranks and 10 spd 12-25.  I live in flat south Jersey but have been and will be racing Quassy and IMLP.  I have always ridden the climb to Wilmington  in my small ring and my  25 without the sense that I needed more.  Should i 1- stick with reg cranks? and 2 - go with 11spd 12-25?  I do feel I could use the extra gear in the middle more then the ends.

Thanks for the input

 

Comments

  • Joe MatchetteJoe Matchette
    Robert - One question:Have you done that climb with a powermeter? If so then you will know for sure if you can maintain your watts while doing some of the climbs at IMLP.

    If you are not 100% certain you can keep your effort at the desired level, I would get compact cranks and a 12-25 for the first cassette. I don't know how much extra cassettes will be, but I think they will be somewhat reasonably prices. If you find out the 12-25 is too easy, then you can get an 11-23. According to one of the gearing calculators, a compact chainring will spin out at ~35 mph (100rpm cadence) with a 12, and 38mph with an 11.
  • cgres123cgres123
    Should i 1- stick with reg cranks? and 2 - go with 11spd 12-25? I do feel I could use the extra gear in the middle more then the ends.

    That is the move. I live near you too so I know what you are talking about. At the very top end you will lose a tad but for the hills/rollers being in that sweet spot in the middle is Great !

    My 2 cent. Are you doing Philly ?
  • Gordon CherwoniakGordon Cherwoniak

    Robert,

    Given your 3.6-4.00 w/kg you are a pretty strong cyclist.  I don't really have a recommendation other than it's nice to have an extra great if needed on the climbs at LP especially for the second loop.  I can't remember what Coach P runs on the IMLP course but he was 4+ w/kg (4.2-4.3 IIRC).

    Here's a wiki thread and a link to another thread in the fourms on IM gearing.  It's for 10 speed so I realize that it's not exactly applicable but it stated compact and 12-25 for all IM other that IMFL and IMAZ .

    http://members.endurancenation.us/R...or+Ironman

    Here's the IM gearing thread:

    http://members.endurancenation.us/T...fault.aspx

    Gordon

  • Robert SaboRobert Sabo
    If I go with compact cranks I would then choose between 11 spd 11-25 or 12-25. Does switching to compact cranks close the gaps in the middle. I have read the other threads and the wiki.
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