Originally Posted by davidmcowan
so I'm making it up the hills at 42x15 which requires me getting out of the saddle and mashing a bit. But I feel like most other times I'm fine. Pretty much what I've read though in that my legs push it not my lungs and heart. When I hear about people operating at higher cadences with a tougher gearing I'm astounded. How do you do it? Should I be okay with the mashing and more flat speed? Or is spinning up and flatting out at a lower speed better? I want to try and do RAGBRAI in this final gear choice so I'm hoping for some input.
David,
I think that (at least some of us) would love to help, but your question is a little unclear. Maybe if you clarify, people can try again at answering.
If I can attempt to answer, I'd say that you should find a gear that allows you to climb without blowing up if climbing is something you do regularly, and let that drive your speeds elsewhere. A gear that is great for flats but can't get you up hills does you no good when you can't shift.
As for other peoples gearing choices and fitness/performance, that isn't worth considering heavily. There are too many variables.
I'd say the general consensus though is that you're better off feeling good on a hill and spinning on the flats than feeling good on the flats and mashing too hard on the hills. Maybe not, but at least that is what I prefer.