I also watched Bobke in his yellow head gear [a knock-off of Johnny Carson's ‘Karnack’]…such a typical incomplete discussion aimed at nobody in particular. But love the Bobke.

Regardless of a Pro’s conditioning [and the genetics that have pre-ordained them as elite riders] I would think it’s still a toll racing for a century before you hit the big climbs let alone the accumulated stress of the days racing during a grand tour. Using wider gear ranges matching a riders spin and power makes competitive sense…but to compare my compact setup and steep gradient climbs out here with a pro using same…a very weak comparison in my case.

I certainly expect a Pro to use whatever teeth combos including “compact” that match their strengths climbing...does not make them less macho…but faster and more deadly.