Cogsets or cassettes:

11-13-15-17-19-21-24-28-32-36
18% 15% 13% 12% 11% 14% 17% 14% 13%

11-13-15-17-19-21-23-26-30-34
18% 15% 13% 12% 11% 13% 15% 13%

11-12-14-16-18-20-22-25-28-32
18% 15% 14% 13% 11% 10% 14% 12% 14%

These are the percentage differences between the cogs (I think). It really is funny how perception often is not quite in synch with fact when referencing the steps on the 34-11 cassette compared with the 36-11. The 34-11 obviously is a lot more even between each gear compared with the 36-11, but that 17% difference didn't really seem that odd in practice.

I have done most of my riding on the 32-11, and those funny steps of 10% and 14% certainly have caused me issues in the past trying to find the right gear between the 18, 20 and 22 teeth cogs. Maybe that's why the 36-11 seemed to be an improvement... and I probably overlooked how mmuch more even the 34-11 was.

Anyway, it has been interesting to read how a number of other tandem riders might also find the same issues we find in climbing. We are surrounded by hills where we live, and Australian randonnee organisers generally believe in making their events challenging if not downright sadistic.

Machka referred to an attempted 400 in the East Gippsland area which involved more than 5000 feet of climbing over the 136km we actually did complete. The weather in the early part of the ride also was really crappy with lots of rain.

A couple of weeks later, we chatted to another rider at the turnaround point for our 200, and he asked if the ride was organised by a particular person. "Yes" was the answer. Then came a shudder and "I don't do his events". Now, this came from someone who is very experienced, pretty fit, and has been involved with Audax Australia for many years.

I think his reaction told the story quite well. It made us feel a little bit better. And so has this thread.