Originally Posted by
luxlumis
- My load on the climb was around 10-15kg (2 panniers, 20 l backpack). There are one or two items that I could have left at home, but that wouldn't have made a big difference. For my big tour, I'm going to need to take more - so reducing weight is not an option.
- I wasn't aware that I'm unfit. I have been cycling 60-80km per day through varied terrain with an average speed of 12-14 km/h, although rarely any steep climbs. On the tour in question, I climbed around 700m over ~15km with almost no level sections.
After reading all posts, I think I'm going to switch to a 24-36-46 chainset, in addition to the 11-34 cassette.
Get rid of the backpack. I can't imaging doing a long climb with a backpack. Also reducing weight is always an option.....
If you are doing 60 km and averaging 12 to 14 k/h I wouldn't say you are particularly fit. Don't take that as a criticism or discourage
you in anyway as touring isn't about speed, but 14 kph is only 8.75mph which is very slow. Also riding hills is very different from the flats.
Before you get new gearing I'd rearrange you baggage (ditch the backpack) and start training in some local hills.