Originally Posted by
makingmark
The total amount of effort to go a distance is the same regardless of gear, but you spend that effort over more time using a lower gear.
If we set this statement in physical quantities, it is called "work", it is represented by force (newton) x distance (meters) and is measured as joules. As we can see by this mathematical relationship, climbing a hill or performing some distance requires always the same amount of work. Either we apply less force in the pedals and pedal more distance or we apply more force in the pedals and pedal less distance. No doubt the human factor is complicating this simple physical concept of work!