Originally Posted by
Pistol Peter
I had an idea that it's about time I replaced my chain anyway, and if doing that I may as well change the cassette too. I thought that if I went to a 13/28 combo for a while, it might help get my fitness back up whilst still getting me up the hills, and keeping my cadence up. Then when comfortably fitter I could change back? I don't want it to be that hard that I give it up!
Just a thought?
I see from Google Maps you have 400 meter (1500 foot) high hills
right outside of Adelaide. Street View shows some
great roads up in the hills.
The 13/28 is what you need for those hills.
I have 100 meter (325 foot) hills in
my area, many with 5-8% grades, a few over 10% grade. I also have a "compact crank" which is 50/34, so my lowest gears (34-29) are even lower than your 39-28 would be. I'll use my lowest gears even on a 5-6% grade, so I can keep a fast cadence. I rarely miss having a 12 or 11 cog.
Your current 53/39 with 12-23 is perfect for riding fast on flat roads. And it's designed for strong riders that are very fast even when riding uphill.