Originally Posted by
Ataylor
Really? I mean based off of what some people said in this thread (it may have just been one person), it seemed as though the difference wasn't something to write home about unless you were racing or in fast-paced group rides. Pretty sure I read this elsewhere, too, though. But if recreational riders (of which I am one) can actually benefit and feel a noticeable difference with closer spacing, then I'm all in.
Anyone would notice the difference between small and large gearing jumps - it's pretty obvious - but I don't think it's terribly important unless you're exerting yourself at/close to your max capacity for a given duration. IOW, pedaling at 70 rpm at 65% ftp is no problem. At 110% ftp, though, you might have some issues if you're straddling a gap that sees, for instance, 95rpm on one cog (putting more strain on your legs) and 110 on the next (putting more strain on your cardiovascular).