Gearing

Peter Noyes

Is anyone doing anything special for gearing for Oceanside? I currently run a compact with 11-25 in the back. When I climb say a 6% hill at 80 RPM I end up doing about 220-230 Watts, which is way above my target wattage (Want to average about 180). Is it ok to push the watts on that one climb? Should I consider getting an 11-28 for the back?

Thanks!

Coach Rich

The longest climb on the course is at about mile 28, and it probably just less than a mile at 6-7%. Think Salvia Canyon out of the Rose Bowl, Chantry, or any of the other standard grades in the SGV. 

Getting your gearing right so that you stay over about 65rpm on that hill (there are 2 more, similar, but not as long) is enough. And you'll want the 11t for the backside of the course. There are about 8 miles of gradually downhill rollers where you can really let it fly. You'll want to gearing so you can keep your speed up on the downhills, carrying that into the next hill, etc. 

Peter Noyes

Ok cool. I will just stick with the 11-25 then. At 65 RPM I probably wouldn't go over 200 watts so I can probably get away with that.

Coach Rich

Posted By Peter Noyes on 11 Feb 2014 06:29 PM


Ok cool. I will just stick with the 11-25 then. At 65 RPM I probably wouldn't go over 200 watts so I can probably get away with that.

FWIW, I've been riding a compact and 26-11 in the SGV for years and would use this for IMCA. That gearing will get you what you need for anything around here, except Chaney, Sugarloaf, Col de Said, and other crazy shit on which pretty much nothing will help 

Peter Noyes

Shimano doesn't seem to make an 26-11. Do you have SRAM?

Would this work on a Shimano setup: ?

https://www.sram.com/sram/road/products/sram-pg-1070-cassette

Coach Rich

Yes, I have SRAM, that should work but ask Dino