Mountain - Plains - New cassette question

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hocker
04-16-09, 01:23 PM
I rode up Lookout Mountain (Golden, CO) the other day and I noticed that I was running out of gears on a couple of the steeper spots with my 11-23, compact crank. I plan to do a lot of hill climbing this year - Mt. Evans, Lookout for training, Flagstaff, etc. I'm choosing between:
11,12,13,14,15,17,19,21,23,26
11,12,13,14,15,17,19,22,25,28

My main question is about Mt. Evans and I haven't ridden up it yet. Would the latter choice be overkill? Given I ride a compact crank it seems kind of granny, but like I said I don't have a lot of experience on these climbs.

bmclaughlin807
04-19-09, 12:15 AM
Go for the 28!!!!!

I can GUARANTEE that you'll need it at some point in the mountains. (I've got a 32 on mine!)

Then again... it depends what type of riding you do... you can power up the climbs in a higher gear for a few miles.... but try doing 30 miles of climbing... you'll be VERY glad of that lower gear!
DataJunkie
04-19-09, 07:35 AM
I have a road 12-25 and it works fine for me. That is my two cents.

Surly2698
04-19-09, 10:30 AM
12- 25 with a compact 50-34 works for me on Mt Evans.
good luck.
bmclaughlin807
04-19-09, 10:31 AM
I have a road 12-25 and it works fine for me. That is my two cents.

Yeah, but you're crazier than I am. ;)

Seriously, though:


but like I said I don't have a lot of experience on these climbs.

I'd go for the lower gear... not like you're losing anything if you've still got the same 11 tooth high.
dark13star
04-19-09, 10:44 AM
The thing about Mt. Evans is it is not steep, at least not above Echo Lake. The ride in from Idaho Springs has some steep climbs though. My standard for all our Colorado climbs is 50/34 with a 12-27 cassette.
sniz
05-02-09, 09:35 PM
I am in the same boat as far as rides go. Currently have a 53/39 crank, 12/25 cassette and can get by, but find myself out of the saddle more than I like.

Planning on installing a 50/34 compact crank, 12/27 cassette in the next month in preparation for the summer.
UGASkiDawg
05-03-09, 11:18 AM
the thing about mt. Evans is it is not steep, at least not above echo lake. The ride in from idaho springs has some steep climbs though. My standard for all our colorado climbs is 50/34 with a 12-27 cassette.


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