Why is it assumed that if you spin you are unfit? If you watch pro cycling you will find that the best climbers will generally be in a lower gear and turning a higher cadence, whereas the sprinters will be running bigger gears and grinding to the top - Just look at the cadence that Lance Armstrong use to climb at.
I used to ride in a big gear and grind my way up, but in the last couple of years I've tried to train myself to be more of a spinner: At first it was hard work but I've got used to it and now I find it is much better, particularly on long climbs that have a gradient that varies. Spinning may, on the surface seem the easy option, but keeping a high cadence is certainly hard work and takes some training.
Ultimately, someone who runs a compact will be able to ride just as fast on the hills as someone running a double, albeit at a higher cadence, which is supposed to be better for endurance.
Big gears are often run by people who think they are better than they really are.
But not always 🙂Big gears are often run by people who think they are better than they really are
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Hahaha hence why I used the word "often".
I don't get why 34/50 is a HUGE jump and 39/53 is fine, there's really not much difference. I've ridden 39/52, 39/53, 42/52 and currently ride a 34/50 compact. The main issue is what cassette range you're using IMO, for me 12-27 works best but then I don't mind the gaps that produces and my cadence varies to accommodate, I can understand why some people that have a more specific cadence they like to hold don't like the jumps though. 12-27 vs 11-25 means I can still stay seated on some of the steep local climbs if I want to but I'm sure I could adapt easily enough to a 25.
Compact 12-27 for the Winter.
Compact 11-25 for the Summer.
The only people who really care are MTB'ers for some reason. The most interest anyone in the cycling clubs ever paid to it was "ohh a compact, any good? Should I get one?"
But then again I have a B-twin jersey and DHB shorts, so I'm clearly not fassionable enough to realise how uncool my compact is :p
I'm a strong road rider and have used standard 53/39 for years but I like the compact on my work/training bike because the 50 ring is a lot more useful for everything apart from racing.
If I had a 54 ring I would be nearer the bottom of the cassette just riding around. With a 50 I am in the middle of the block normally.
Just put it in the 34 for the steep climbs. I can even use the 50 for quite a few hills.
Get a compact.
rusty90 - Member
Big gears are often run by people who think they are better than they really are.But not always 🙂
Exhibit B: Mr Obree's road-bike, 55x11 top gear IIRC. Was also pulling a trailer when he came over on the ferry to Islay.
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And FWIW, 34/48 and 12-25 here (with a nice blouse to match, thanks 8) ).
In an effort to hit next year in good shape from the off
Just ride fixed over a hilly terrain. Should see you right. 42/16 and find a big hill to ride up and down. My road bike is 42/52 and 12-27 and gets me over most things, but fixed and hills is the fastest way to fitness.
