Originally Posted by
jaycb74
Over 3k climb in Bay Area (Mt Umunhum) , pretty steep in some sections. I have a brand new Domane SL5 disc vs. 2009 Gary Fisher Aluminum mtb. The Domane is way lighter (best guess 10-15 lbs?) and just faster but the MTB has about what I consider 3-4 granny gears on it, the Domane with compact really difficult in steep sections. So for an over 200 lb guy, which would you choose to tackle the beast? Does the weight savings and overall better bike of the Domane help me get up the mountain easier or should I take the granny gears on the older heavier bike?
Make your Domane a hill climber. Put a Shimano 11-34 cassette or SRAM 11-36 cassette on, and crank your derailleur B-screw down. If that isn't enough gearing, put on a 46/30T crank.
Riding that mountain bike will suck. If you have to do that, put some slick tires on it, and lock out the squish.
I want to do that ride too. (Want company? I'm just under 200lbs fwiw.)