Originally Posted by MrGlass70

Hi,

I am not sure if this site is read in the UK, but even if it is not, then I'm sure you'll still recognise the question.
PS: if it is not but you know of a good UK based cycling forum then please let me know also! thanks,

My regular cycle route is around Richmond Park. I do 3 laps normally, (starting with the clockwise "harder" one, then flipping each lap). Folks who know London cycling will know this route very well.
My question is regarding technique and gear selection. e.g. when going around clockwise, I am usually in the big gear on the front, and use the rear cassette to compensate for gradient. This is for most of the circuit except for the one v. steep "wind-y" section around broomfield hill. I think my front cranks are 53/39, and the rear cassette is 23/11.

but for the long uphill drag from queens road to Richmond gate, I usually stay in the big gear on front and the easier/easiest gear on back.

My question is... is the additional power from being on the bigger gear the most efficient one? How should I check? Maybe I should be on the small crank in front and try to pedal faster or some other technique?

I'm racing against a virtual copy of myself (Garmin), and am getting diminishing marginal returns on "simply cycle harder", and I think I need to be cycling smarter instead.

Gavin