Originally Posted by
misterwaterfall
I wind out my gears more on downhills trying to chase back on rather than most sprints. A flat sprint usually gets to 40-42, add a tailwind or downhill and that can do quite a bit higher. I've been thinking about going to a 54 just for the badass factor though
On a decent on a TT bike...
We found better TT times on descents coast/pedal than pedal. Obviously the junior gear made this almost a requirement and how it was discovered, but it works when he has the big gear too.
So rather than hold 120RPM say 40mph, coast in a tuck, and when you get below 39 spin back to 42 and tuck again.
The tuck is more aero and there is less total energy being spent by you.
You are spinning about 1/3 the time and your legs are stronger and fresher.
The 42->39 is a better average speed than holding 40.