Assistance and direction needed

Carl

 I am riding a Cervelo P3 which came standard with Shimano Ultegra 6600 (12-25) and FSA Gossamer Pro (50/34).  I have noticed around here while training and hitting the hills that in my lowest gear while climbing I am way over my allowed power.  I want to just power up them but trying to really adhere to the EN plan.  I have never done a IM and my understanding is Wisc is very technical and hilly.

Thinking about purchasing a: FSA SL-K Light (53/39) for my crank and really think I am needing a 12-27 for the back or should I go to a 12-28.[b/]

Again gang I am still learning to piece my bike together and what everything is and does.  I am going to be spending the money but want to be sure I am getting the best bang for the buck.  Again, please assist me and it will be done.

Thanks all-----

 

Coach Rich

We get this kind of question a lot, especially as people start riding outside with power and begin to pay attention to their efforts on hills. Notes:

• Gears don't create watts.
• At some combination of w/kg, FTP, and % grade, we are ALL forced to make a choice between going over the watts we want to hold, or not...and falling off the bike because we stop. For a strong, light rider with a high w/kg and FTP, that % grade might be 15%. For a weaker cyclist with a lower w/kg, that % grade might be 8-10%. Gearing doesn't change (much) at what grade/when this happen. I just changes the cadence you're at when it does happen.

The net is:

• The solution is to keep getting stronger and lighter. Again, at some % grade it's ALL simple math, and stronger + lighter is better.
• Change cassettes just changes the cadence you'll be at when the above happens. That said, the steepest stuff at IMWI is probably the 2nd of the 3 "big" hills. This is about .2 miles at about 9%. So find yourself a 9% hill and wrap your head around that.
• I hope to race at ~325-330w FTP and < 155lb. I plan to ride a compact and 25-12.

talltim

Hi Carl.  I have not done Wisc., but the IM gearing item in the wiki, http://endurancenation.us.dnnmax.co...or+Ironman, suggests at least 12x27 for 53/39. 

Depending on your FTP and race plan (i.e., do you plan to be on the bike > 6 hrs) as well as the IMMoo course (lots of rollers and corners, etc.), you may want to seriously look at the 12-28.  If you're buying new stuff anyway, my personal bet is you won't regret having the 28 back there, even if it gets sparing use. 

My $0.02.

 

 

gilliatt

@Carl- you have a compact already in front and a 12-25 on the back. Your setup is pretty EN friendly for IMOO, That is a lot of gears. Sure a 12-28 is a few more but, My guess is this is more of a skill you will just have to work out on the roads. Since you have next to no experience on the roads with a power meter I would start there give it some time.
I might be getting outside tomorrow w/ another triathlete doing IMSG, we will be talking good climbing technique. (While I'm certainly not an expert, I can point you in the right direction should you want to join us).

mancona

As Dan said, stick with the compact (50/34) up front and 12-25 that you already have. Ride outside a bit and learn how to control your power. That is better gearing than 75% of the people out there will race with.

You have a long time until IMWI so around June or July, re-evaluate and decide if you need more gears. You can pick up the 12-28 for under $100 if you think you need it and it will make a difference.

jburbatt

Hopefully you'll get up to Madison to ride the course. That will be the best indicator if you'll need a larger cassette. You'll want to stick with the compact in front, it will make WI feel much easier. Last year after my big weekend ride up there I switched to a 12-28 just to make it a little easier on myself. Like Matt said, you'll have time to grab one as they are readily available. Good luck

GSmith821

@All, 53/39 standard SRM and 11-23 on my 808's I purchased off eBay.  Safe to say that changing to a 12-27 would be more "versatile" and "friendly" ?  I'm a lil' peep on the FTP and really like a higher cadence (92-98 rpm).

12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24, 27  vs  12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25

SRAM also makes a 11-26 and 11-25

11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25

11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 26

Thoughts?

 

 

 

mancona

@George - depends on the course. I think the safe bet for you is 12-27. Since you have a 39 inner ring, I would suggest the 27 or even 28 over the 23 or 25. Since you like to spin at over 90 rpm I highly doubt you will need the 11, so sticking with the 12 will keep the cadence gaps more managable.

jwpicciotto

@George - I will second the 27x12. You will need to practice because the jump from the 24->21 is a pain in the @ss. Buto, the 27 is more versatile for large hills. There is a decent amount of overlap in the gearing to be applicable to any situation where a 25 would be adequate.