Originally Posted by
look171
See you there next april.
I am getting my old Casati ready. Its been ready just like the way I hung it in my garage when It was decommissioned when my new bike came. I fear the long steep dirt roads. I hear they are so steep that many walked. The only thing I am going to do is to install a MTB Rear Mech to deal the large 28 tooth rear cog. My Super Record and 21 freewheel aint cutting it. This way, with the 42x28, I can pedal sitting down and grind it out instead of having to get outta the saddle and spinning the rear tire in the dirt. I think it will be fun
I have done both of the previous Eroica California rides and am going again in April. A couple of comments on your post:
1. A 42x28 is within the official and real capacity of Super Record derailleurs so there is no need for an MTB rear. Some have even pushed them to 42x32 I believe, though making this work is hit or miss, depending on chain stay length, derailleur hanger length, chain length, etc. You can get 13-32 freewheels from IRD if you want to experiment with this.
2. You are not going to be able to grind up some of those hills with a 42x28 unless you are a youngster with thighs like tree trunks. The hills are darn steep and with limited traction to boot. Nevertheless, walking is no big deal since you'll have lots of company.
Last year I had a triple with 32T front and 28T rear and managed every hill without walking, but just barely. While making the second big ascent on the coastal route I did not observe anybody else that rode the entire way up.