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-   Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) (https://www.bikeforums.net/clydesdales-athenas-200-lb-91-kg/)
-   -   Wiggo used 11-36 :O (https://www.bikeforums.net/clydesdales-athenas-200-lb-91-kg/839073-wiggo-used-11-36-o.html)

Mithrandir 08-13-12 12:23 PM

Wiggo used 11-36 :O
 
http://bicycling.com/blogs/thisjusti...railleur-hack/


Finally, proof that I am not crazy in my advocacy of W I D E R gears for clydes. For stage 14 of the Tour de France, Wiggo had an 11-36 cassette installed on his bike. :eek:

If even a pro like Wiggins, who won the Tour de France, uses those gigantic cassettes, what does that say about gearing for us heavier people?

Assuming that he was using a compact 50/34 (Why use 11-36 with a standard?), that means that my bike right now, with what has been described as "ridiculously low geared" at 20 GI, only has 2 gears lower than what Wiggo used. Crazy.

chasm54 08-13-12 02:14 PM

It's very unlikely that he used a compact chainset. I'd think he would want to maintain the capacity for as much top-end speed as possible, especially on a stage when Nibali might try to get away from him on the downhills. And even those who use compact cassettes (me included) tend to dislike the 16-tooth drop between the 50 and 34. So I'm betting on him being on a 53-39.

However, the point about low gearing is well taken. If you watch Wiggo's cadence up the long climbs, it's an object lesson in using his aerobic fitness to save his legs and maximise his endurance. Struggling up hills in too big a gear is a mug's game.

And just to add a controversial note I'd recommend a triple to the heavier rider. Gives the opportunity for a big range together with nice close ratios, which a compact with a big cassette does not.

Mithrandir 08-13-12 02:39 PM


Originally Posted by chasm54 (Post 14601086)
It's very unlikely that he used a compact chainset. I'd think he would want to maintain the capacity for as much top-end speed as possible, especially on a stage when Nibali might try to get away from him on the downhills. And even those who use compact cassettes (me included) tend to dislike the 16-tooth drop between the 50 and 34. So I'm betting on him being on a 53-39.

However, the point about low gearing is well taken. If you watch Wiggo's cadence up the long climbs, it's an object lesson in using his aerobic fitness to save his legs and maximise his endurance. Struggling up hills in too big a gear is a mug's game.

And just to add a controversial note I'd recommend a triple to the heavier rider. Gives the opportunity for a big range together with nice close ratios, which a compact with a big cassette does not.

I think you're right. I looked more into it and it and I can't find anywhere that states that he uses anything but Osymetric elliptical chainrings. Those don't come in compact sizes; the smallest double is 38t, and the smallest triple ring is 34. Obviously he doesn't use a triple, so the absolute lowest he was probably using was a 38.

But still, 38/36 is LOW for a pro.

JakiChan 08-13-12 02:57 PM

When I get my road bike (planning on an SL4 Roubaix Comp Disc) I will need to get a big rear cassette and I was going to do an MTB derailleur. My Sirrus has an 11-36...can I get a similar cassette to work with an XT derailleur on that bike? I'm guessing that's up to the shop to tell me...

paisan 08-13-12 03:35 PM


Originally Posted by Mithrandir (Post 14601224)
I think you're right. I looked more into it and it and I can't find anywhere that states that he uses anything but Osymetric elliptical chainrings. Those don't come in compact sizes; the smallest double is 38t, and the smallest triple ring is 34. Obviously he doesn't use a triple, so the absolute lowest he was probably using was a 38.

But still, 38/36 is LOW for a pro.

the Osymetric rings are always a little bit higher in gearing than the actual tooth count because of the ovalized shape. I can't remember the exact ratio but I think a 38t chainring is actually closer to a 40t. I'll try to dig up the specifics.

http://www.trainsharpcyclecoaching.c...etric-faqs.pdf

Scroll down to the "how does an Osymetric ring work?" and it explains what I am talking about.


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