Originally Posted by
rpenmanparker
No doubt, but at about 28 mph that sounds like fast paceline, group ride stuff or some really hard solo work. I got the impression we were talking about moderate riding. I don't see how the question of what ring to ride on the flats even has any relevance if you are talking about near-time trial efforts. I mean that's large ring stuff automatically, right?
Not too many folks claim average speeds for their riding of over 18 mph. Let's say the climbs hurt more than the descents help, so assume the flats make up the difference and run at about 20 mph. That would put you solidly on the 39/15 right in the middle of your one-tooth jumps on the rear 11-25, 11-speed cassette. I would much rather be riding there than on the 53/21 in the middle of the 2-tooth jumps. And interestingly, if I wanted to fall in with you when you were passing me on one of your power efforts, all I would have to do would be to shift the front.
I don't think I'm getting 28mph out of my 53/15 very often, but 24mph sounds about right. And no, I wasn't talking about just cruisin' along, but rather doing some work, so yeah, I guess if that's what you call "near time trial efforts", then that's what I was talking about. And yes, I'm often on group rides and do pace line, so that's a good point which I'd not given consideration to. But in any case, I'm *never* in the small ring (solo, cruising, or whatever) on the flat, only the 53. And yes, I can reel off many miles north of 18mph.
EDIT: I don't want to be a braggart, but I really don't want to be seen as a trash talking keyboard jockey, so here's Saturday's ride file. Cut out the in-town portions (which dragged the average speed down to 17.6mph over the 54mi), and we're looking at an average of more than 19mph for more than 40mi. Only 1.27k feet of climbing, so flat to rolling, and the whole back half of that I pulled a flailing club mate as I was riding sweep that day. Never even thought about touching the small ring.
https://www.strava.com/activities/35...ysis/2002/9233