Originally Posted by
mtnroads
Grinding is definitely not good if you're older (I'm 60). I messed up my knees pretty bad here in the Philippines last year, grinding up a five mile long 10-15% mountain pass three times a week on my training rides with a compact double. Due to other circumstances (location, traffic congestion, air pollution, etc) it was the only viable place to ride, but I won't make that mistake again.. I finally moved to a flatter, more rural island, and it is cycling bliss.. lol.
Im my experience, and with others I know, grinding isn't good at any age. I had knee issues at 25 from grinding with too high gearing and too much weight for that gearing and terrain. Possibly affected by other knee history, but in the end, grinding just isnt being smart. Not for short term but especially not for long term.
I have really found that having lower gearing is the answer, plain and simple. Yes, our legs and knee muscles get stronger throughout a season and over the years, so you will naturally go up in gears to what feels right to you, but having the proper lower gears to make it easy to go up stuff, no matter your condition, or bike weight,or terrain, thats the ticket.