There are no really steep parts which require a lot of teeth on the rear cogs, but having a 53/11 is a very good idea for the downhill out of Hawi. Depending on the winds, it is possible to really fly on this section, which only gets to a 5% downgrade, for 3-4 miles, with gentler grades before and after.
Personally, I use my standard gearing of 53/39, 11-32 on 650c wheels, but I doubt you'll need more than 27 in the rear. Remember, no disc wheels allowed.
Last year I ran 53/39 and 11/28 with a compact crank. Running the same gearing this as it worked well last year. The 28 came in handy on the climb to Hawi which was into the wind. Running Zipp 404 wheels.
I run a 54/42 front, and last year went with 11/25 which really stranded me on a few of those climbs back. This year I am upgrading the rear to an 11/28 and keeping the same front combo. Zipp 808s for me...
Comments
There are no really steep parts which require a lot of teeth on the rear cogs, but having a 53/11 is a very good idea for the downhill out of Hawi. Depending on the winds, it is possible to really fly on this section, which only gets to a 5% downgrade, for 3-4 miles, with gentler grades before and after.
Personally, I use my standard gearing of 53/39, 11-32 on 650c wheels, but I doubt you'll need more than 27 in the rear. Remember, no disc wheels allowed.