Originally Posted by dartanyan

Hi guys, new to the forum. I have a Giant Defy adv with shimano 105. 50/34 crankset and 28-11 in the rear casette. I have been riding this bike for over 2 years now. I am 40 years old and 165 pounds and climbing is my strength and i have difficulty pedaling on the flats.

Here is what i dont like about my current gearing. I can not pedal anything over 3.33 gearing with a decent cadence on the flat lands. I know i can always strengthen my legs which i am always working on them. I can pedal 34/11 (3.09) easily to 100 rpm but as you know thats the smallest cog when i am on the small front sprocket.

So when i shift to big ring in the front 50/15 (3.33) way to hard for me to pedal. a 50/16 (3.14) would be perfect but i dont have it. I need range of gear(s) between 3.09-3.33 basically. I am not sure what my options are if there are any.

Any advice is highly appreciated.

Thank you!!