If you've got the energy and stamina to CRANK the pedals 360 degrees the whole time, feel free to do so.

But MOST of the power in the pedals comes during the downstroke.

Pedaling in smooth circles is great, but that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about brute force cranking so I don't have to stand up in order to get the same wattage.

Personally most of the time I'm doing something more like the pistons of an engine. Pushing down and pulling up, and letting the 'flywheel' and my joints do the spinning (just like an engine. and just like an engine, most of the power comes from the downstroke).


But my question is what is a good big gear for an area that's 70% mountains.