Originally Posted by
dartanyan
Climbing comes effortless to me due to my weight and aerobic fitness. you have to agree 2 riders one with 165 lbs other with 220 lbs with same fitness level. 165 lbs will climb lot better. but there is no way he is going to be pedaling as hard as a 220 lbs rider on flats.
This. No physiological mystery here. According to the Bike Calculator tool, a 220 lb. rider, putting out a steady 240 watts of power, will be climbing a 5% grade at a shade under 8.5 mph. At 165 lb., and 200 watts, you'll be climbing at 9 mph. Your advantage increases with the grade. Roll out onto the flats, and your heavier friend will be hitting 22.4 mph at 240 watts, while your 200 watts will only get you to 21.3.
FWIW: I think your desire for a 16 on the back, with the 50/34 compact on the front, is spot on. I weigh about the same as you. 15 miles of my commute is flat. The 50-16 combo puts me in the 95 to 105 cadence zone that is my sweet spot. Dropping down to the 50-15 tires me much more quickly.