Originally Posted by
joesch
There are SS riders that conquer Mont Ventoux
In general SS / FG riders are better mashers with big gears ...
Climbing Mont Ventoux on a fixed gear (single-speed) bike is a challenging but achievable feat for experienced cyclists. It requires significant physical and mental preparation, as the climb is long, steep, and relentless. The average gradient is around 7.5%, and the total elevation gain is over 1,590 meters (about 5,305 feet). The climb can take anywhere from 1 hour 30 minutes for seasoned cyclists to 2 hours 30 minutes for intermediate riders
Wow, a climb that long would certainly require physical and mental stamina in equal measure!
Good point about mashing. If a geared rider who prefers spinning “mashes out” in the lowest gear, then that gearing would probably feel worse than a single higher gear does to someone who expects to mash.
I run 60/22 (about 73 g.i.) on my road bike, by the way, so happily mashing away in the hills!