Originally Posted by AzTallRider

I think this depends a lot on which 'part of you' is in shape, which part of you is not, and the general strengths and weakness of your body type. I'm 6'6", and weigh 220# or so. My whole lungs/cardio system has been a limiting factor for me athletically my whole life. No matter what shape I'm in, I will usually be struggling for air before my muscles give out. I play basketball and people will ask me if I'm okay, because my face will be bright red and I will be huffing and puffing... but my legs will be fine. I'm never going to keep up by spinning the pedals fast, but I can use my long legs, a longer crank, and my strength to move along in a higher gear. I agree that you want to get your pace up the best you can, but that pace is different for different people, and whether to gear down or grind it out is not a "one size fits all" decision.