Originally Posted by mschwett

not looking to go faster, because as you note that would require more power (regardless of the gearing) and thus a higher HR.

i don’t really bump up against the limit at 6%, at 8%, approach it at times and the ability to go a bit slower (balance is fine) without cadence dropping uncomfortably low (50rpm?) would be nice. let’s just say it takes 200w at 120BPM to comfortably climb a grade, i believe the 6% lower low gear might allow an equally comfortable climb at 190w. same cadence, climbing slower, lower HR. or, alternately, higher cadence, same speed, same HR.