Originally Posted by
Unglued
11-28 cassette and 50-34 compact crankset. No computer yet, so I won't speculate on actual cadence. I try to spin on any flats with minimal pedal pressure in big gears, but I'm definitely mashing on some of the bigger hills especially the larger ones that max out my gearing. I often find that I'm riding the smallest gears trying to just make it up the hill.
I was surprised to find that this is NOTHING like running and it seems like it's twice the effort to climb the same hills I normally run on. Only carry-over seems to be the cardio.
Could be lots of things, but a good professional fit couldn't hurt. I wouldn't automatically get a fit from the LBS 'because they do it.' Make sure you're comfortable they're good at it; check around. I'm 73 and went through two which were just fair until I found one gent who fits triathletes. I did have knee problems and he solved them. Cycling may take a bit to adjust to but these past two years (since re-starting after a 43 year hiatus) have been enjoyable and rewarding.
Rich
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