Radix

Just did the Practice Climb this past Sunday with a 1:42:00 time. At age 44, an old steel bike and two small kids (read::: not as much time to train as I would like), I'm happy with my time. However, I'm interested in economical ways to minimize the pain & suffering on my next climb up Mt. Washington.

After much research, trial/error, & discussion, I settled on a 30t front ring and a 11-32 cassette with a Shimano Deore M531 9-Speed RD. It worked ok, but like I say, I was suffering - and then at 4000 feet the 35-50 mph winds started blowing me DOWN the Mtn which was a bit much.

I'm wondering how much difference yall think an 11-34 would make? I'm mechanically challenged, so I like this type of set-up because I can use my bike on regular rides w/o having to change out cassettes/rings/chains.

Another option is to get a smaller front ring (like a 26 or a 28), but would I have to shorten the chain? Would I lose other gears making it a climbing machine, but not that great for group rides?

Any thoughts appreciated!

cuffydog

There's a guy in New Hampshire, Peter White, who specializes in retrofitting bikes to be better climbers, especially for Mt. Washington.

Radix

Thanks for the info!

Hammertoe

Go low my friend...

I have climbed Washington many times (Last time up was Newton's two weeks ago)...

The average mortal will need to change the configuration of their bike for Washington...

It is the nature of the beast...




Get yourself a 26 or 24 TA chainring...

You can keep your 11/32 if you choose...

I run a 26 up front and an 11/34 in the back...

My average cadence was 85 last year...


Here is my BF Blog...

https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/552604-bumps-whiteface-okemo-ascutney-equinox-washington-burke-greylock.html



PM me with any questions...

Hammertoe

Oh...

Tell me about the weather for the Practice Ride...

We had great weather for Newton's, best in years...

I am looking forward to the big race in August...

Maybe I will see you at the start...

It is always nice to meet BF Hill Sufferers...



You should learn to wrench this stuff, it is not that hard but if not contact these guys...

https://www.redjersey.com/

They are right in Conway but get to them early so they save you a slot to get your bike done...

Radix

Hey Hammer!
Thanks for your comments! We started out in sunshine with temps in the 50's. Then ascended into a cloud covered, 39 degree summit with visibility of 75-100ft. At about the halfway point when I reached 4000 feet, the winds were blowing at 35-50 mph. I almost got knocked down a few times on my bike. At one point I was a foot away from tumbling down a 1000+ foot ravine, but was able to make a last second correction as the gust died down. At the back breaking 22% S turn finish, I had enough in the tank for a sprint finish and made it to the last corner about 50 feet from the finish line when I got blown off course so far I had to do a U turn and came about two inches from going off the road and crashing! Wind chill on the summit was 10-11 degrees. A few minutes after I got off my bike, I was shaking so badly I had trouble getting warm clothes on.

FYI, the weather info came from folks at the observatory which I doubted at the time and then I checked it out for myself at the following link
https://www.mountwashington.org/weather/conditions.php

Radix

If I replace my 30t ring up front with a 24t, will I have to shorten the chain? Will I be able to use the 42t or 52t rings at all? Ditto for a 26t ring up front?

Any info appreciated!

scotch

i'm actually surprised that this hasn't happened up there before with the wind.

ericm979

You probably won't need to shorten the chain. Try it and see if the chain goes slack in the smaller cogs.

It'll probably shift better if you replace the 42t with a 39t middle ring. I know that a 26/39/52 shifts pretty well as it's what I put on my wife's bike.

Oo-v-oO

A few years back one of us hams working the course happened to be in the right place at the right time to catch a petite woman that got blown off her bike. It was right on the edge and could have been ugly had he not been there.

I think that was the year that I would have sworn that someone was pushing on the back fender of my car while I was parked, it was rocking around on the suspension so much. I was only at the halfway point, too...

Hammertoe

The 18 tooth gap between the 42 and 26 is pretty large and you will be prone to dropping your chain...

I do 38/26 without trouble (most of the time)...

Get yourself a Chain Minder or Dog Fang and it may help...

You will not really need the 42 for Washington. If you spin yourself in the 26 passed the Toll Booth to the first incline you will most certainly not be seeing the 42 again...

You won't be able to shorten the chain if you leave the 52 on the bike. The chain wrap needed is measured from big to big...

Radix

Thanks Eric & Hammer!

Hammer, for sure, there is no need for the middle ring on Mt. Washington! I'm just trying to figure out a way to make the bike suitable for both the Hillclimb and regular rides so as to minimize the amount of wrenching. I've only got one bike & very limited finances and bike mechanical ability. Very hard balancing act!

Thanks again guys!