Originally Posted by
Happy Feet
When you say a high gi is adequate do you refer to a loaded or unloaded bike? The difference I have found is that on long sustained hills loaded I would have to stop every so often and walk while now I can climb without doing so.
I've done loaded touring with a low of 35" to 38", as that was all that was available to me. I wouldn't do it again. When I was in Britain, I challenged myself to pedal up all the hills, which was crazy, because they have ancient roads without switchbacks. I did it by stopping to rest and then resuming. The locals didn't believe me when I said I pedaled up every hill.
So it's not something I recommend, but I'm proof that at least some people can do it.