Originally Posted by NomadVW
We here in Japan are routinely on 9-10km climbs averaging 10-12% grades with no less than 39x27. I've only got 12x25 10sp and just not having the 27 to shift in to will routinely let me outpace my ride buddy that has the 27 in the back. Does it hurt more? Probably, but we both spin 80ish, and I get to the top first almost always.
Let me get this straight. You spin 80-ish cadence up a 12% grade in a 39/25 gear for up to 10km? Excuse me for being incredulous, but I say no way.
80 cadence in a 39/25 is 9.8 mph. Either you're Lance Armstrong hanging out in Japan, or your numbers are off. 9.8 mph up a 12% grade would require around 470 watts.
Originally Posted by NomadVW
I think the question asked best is dialing in fitness to do the climb. If you're concerned about time, then getting a lower gear won't make you go faster. It'll just let you go slower for longer time. *shrug*
Nonsense. Spinning a lower gear will keep him from running out of legs before the finish. Climb for an hour at a 30 cadence, then repeat at the same speed at a 70 cadence. Which one was easier on the legs?