Originally Posted by
Speedie95
This was a solo ride, yes. I spend all week around other people, and riding is my escape from that haha
The gearing question that you both posed is a good one. My small chainring is 39T and my large cog is 32T which gives a ratio of 1.22 and a speed of 7.25 MPH @ 75 RPM if I've done the math right. Gears were definitely something that I struggled with as I've completed my previous (much flatter) rides without ever needing the small chainring. I was caught out having to change between large and small, frequently losing momentum in the process. Practice, practice, practice will solve that!
A 39x32 is a fairly low gear for road cyclists in general but I like something a bit lower. I have 34x29 on my main bike and sometimes I wish for lower when on a long climb.
When in my 30s I used a 42x28 low, eventually putting a 39 on the front. Later I had a couple bikes with triple cranks, then the compact double. I understood early on that I could not use the same gearing as 150 pound climbers. Also, I could never climb at the same speed as they do, even if I could do the same climbs.
I also learned that I need a lot more water than others on a hot climbing day. And I break a lot more parts, especially wheels.
Bigger guys can climb and a few can climb fast. I have seen a few really good climbers over 200 pounds, but not many. Saturday a big guy, maybe your size, showed up on our club ride. I thought I would have someone behind me, or at least maybe someone to chat with on the climb early in the ride. Nope, he took off and I didn't see him until the regroup later.