Originally Posted by
AzTallRider
However, we all share some basic physiology, and we all must abide by physics. The result is that competitive cyclists have cadences that fall within a fairly narrow range, and that range is generally higher than the range of non-competitive cyclists. Cyclists that want to be competitive (and I realize not everyone does) see their cadence gradually increase along with their skill and fitness. One of the quick and easy ways of knowing whether someone you meet on a ride is going to keep up is to evaluate their cadence. There is the occasional grinder that is also fast/strong, but it is rare.
Hmm, I agree, but I think you may be responding to one of those rarities. Homeyba is plenty strong, by all accounts, and likes to push a big gear.
Actually, my Merckx reply was meant to be flippant. I don't know what gears he pushed in TTs. You're certainly right about needing tallish gears for the downhills, though, it's quite difficult to keep the power on as the road slopes downwards.