I know a 45 year old lady up in State College PA that climbs like a billygoat. She's around 5'7 and 125, and I don't know many men (myself included) that can keep up with her on the steep stuff. Climbs that I do in a 39x27, she usually does them in a 39x21, and at around 10 rpm faster cadence.
Definitely exceptions.
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