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02-08-09, 06:45 PM
I would HIGHLY recommend that you set your bike up with a "bail out" gear because if you enjoy long distance cycling and climbing you will definitely bonk on a major climb sooner or later. That is the reality. With all the gears available on a modern bike, there is no excuse not to throw in an extra low gear for the inevitable death march. You will be glad you had it.
PS. Walking is definitely slower than spinning a low gear. I pass walkers all the time and I also seem to be suffering less while doing it. People who think walking is efficient are probably fast cyclists not used to seeing what happens at the tail end of the pack!
the problem with a 'bail out' gear is that you'll use it. in my world there seems to be no such thing as a 'special occasion' just to use a particular gear. choose gearing tuned for the terrain you do most of your riding in. you'll always want a lower gear, somewhere, on a long ride.
PS. Walking is definitely slower than spinning a low gear. I pass walkers all the time and I also seem to be suffering less while doing it. People who think walking is efficient are probably fast cyclists not used to seeing what happens at the tail end of the pack!
the problem with a 'bail out' gear is that you'll use it. in my world there seems to be no such thing as a 'special occasion' just to use a particular gear. choose gearing tuned for the terrain you do most of your riding in. you'll always want a lower gear, somewhere, on a long ride.