Originally Posted by
f4rrest
When the gradient goes -1% for a mile and then turns slightly uphill, you have to turn 110-120 in 50x12 to not get dropped. Here's a segment from a fast local group ride where I'm often wishing for a 50x11:
Example
Strava Segment | Rose Bowl descent (east side)
So is turning 110-120 for a short duration a problem? On our group ride, we have a 1 mile section of mostly -1% grade where I have to turn my 47x16 at 160+ rpm to not get dropped. I don't typically contest the final sprint with that gearing, but I don't get dropped either.