Originally Posted by
Robert A
My 1972 ItalVega Super Speciale with a Record groupset had 13-26 in the rear and (I think) 52-39 in front. The bike weighed 23 pounds (it had Columbus tubing).
I have no idea how I climbed in 39/26 gearing. Nowadays, my lowest is 36/32.
My road bikes have low of 39-29 and 34-27.
I avoid certain roads. Especially with my current fitness. I suffer a lot when I choose to tackle them. In between I have plenty of gears to choose from, and my 53-12 means I get down fast. I think it’s right that I should have to struggle up certain climbs above a certain difficulty level, that some hills should be a question of “if” I get to the top.
It’s all easier than the 42-24 gearing I grew up with.