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Gearing for Branson 70.3

jerryfjerryf
in Racing Forum 🏎

I'm considering whether or not to make changes to my bike for the Branson 70.3 race.  I didn't do this race last year.  However, based upon countless race reports and pro interviews, it turns out the bike was pretty serious...and the climbs were significantly more in quantity and grade than reported prior to the race.

I'm trying to decide whether to stick with my current setup or change something.  Right now, I'm running a compact with 12-25.  I'm not a superstar on the bike.  My outdoor ftp is around 240W.  Any advice on whether to go with what I've got...or change something?  Maybe a 12-27 or 11-26?  Would I see that much difference?

Anyone who raced this last year have any wise advice?

 

Thanks,

Jerry

Comments

  • Scott AlexanderScott Alexander
    Personally, I have several cassettes to always have the abiltiy to get MORE gears. I haven't competed at Branson.

    I'd add to your cassette inventory and go get a 12-27 or 12-28 (usually less than $100). That extra/last granny gear could always come in quite handy, and with little-to-no compromise of top-end speed.
  • Patrick HaydenPatrick Hayden
    I did Branson last year and I did IM CDA this year. In both I used a 12-28. I needed those gears more at Branson then I did in CDA and CDA is considered a pretty hilly course (I think there is about as much gain/loss in half the distance at Branson). So yes I would look at going with a 27 or 28 for the course. A 25 would be a bit rough on some of those hills.
  • jerryfjerryf

    Thanks Guys!

    I guess I'll need to decide whether to go with 11-28 or 12-27.  Also, Shimano or SRAM.  (I'm running all Ultegra right now).

    I've heard some reports of chain trouble going to a x-28 on the 28 cog.  Anybody know anything about this?

  • atasicatasic

     Jerry, I raced Branson last year. It has 4700ft of climbing. It was hot but no significant wind. I think the wind may require a more significant gearing change in addition to hills.

    I raced 53/39+12/25, 2:45 bike split, 1:45 run, FTP 275W, 4.1-4.2W/kg.

    This year, I will reach for 11-27 cassette. I want more gears for uphill as I spin and I did not spin uphill, I turned pedals just enough not fall over and was over the target power. I also spun out quickly on downhills. There are no flats, zero, none, either you are looking up in the sky or you are screaming down on a 4 lane highway. 

    My cadence for the split was lower than usual, I still had a good run given how hot it was. Should there be any wind, climbing into it with my set up would have been even worse.........

  • jerryfjerryf
    Thanks Aleksander. I think I've decided on an 11-28. I actually can use the 11, as I spin out frequently on flats. The 28 will be a good dropout gear. I haven't put in on yet...we'll see how the gear span works out. When I downshift, I often skip gears anyway. So, maybe this will be right for me.

    BTW, NICE race last year! I'll be somewhere behind you, most likely.
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