Originally Posted by TheRCF
> Most riders can't really use an 11t cog with a 53t chainring, so it's not really missed. <
What do you mean by "can't"? Doesn't it fit properly or what?
Young legs? I'm almost 55 plus I only started riding two years ago as of February 24th - but I will pass the 11,000 mile mark tomorrow. Diamond Head doesn't strike me as steep anymore - sort of medium, especially when I compare to going out past Hawaii Kai and climbing up to Makapu'u Lookout (and usually into the wind too).
I've climbed it 4 times. It just wears at you for 5 miles with only a couple extremely short breaks well over halfway up. This is one of the hills that worries me, though I don't "need" to climb it other than it is there (grin). Since I basically stick with my lowest gear 90% of the way, I'm not sure how this double crank will work.
I haven't been to Maui yet, but I could see myself riding up there - just not by bike!!! But do you happen to know how many miles it takes to reach that altitude?
Bob
Bob: You're just a baby! I'm 62 and bought my first bike in 2000. I think I'm working on my 23rd or 24th bike now. I've learned many things by experience and some the hard way.
When I say can't use the 11t cog with a 53t chainring I mean unable to use it to it's max. If you were to spin out in that combo, I think you would be doing 55~60mph! So a 12t is more useful to us mere mortals.
I don't know the exact distance from sea level to the summit of Haleakala, but my friend who is a racer wants to break the four-hour mark. So far his best time up the mountain is 4:18.
If you were to ask me, which you haven't, I would tell you to ride your new bike for a couple of weeks, try the hills and
then make an informed decision on which would be the best path to take to achieve your goal of the perfectly equipped bike. I live in eastern Washington near the Idaho border. We are surrounded by hills, more hills and then some mountains. Several years ago I bought my first double equipped bike and on the recommendation of a very good bike shop, changed out the rear dérailleur and cassette for an MTB dérailleur and cassette.
Big difference! But not quite enough for our mountains, so my next bike was triple equipped. I still have the double bike and enjoy riding it, but use the triple when I'm in the mountains or on a longer multi-day ride.
I lived in Hawaii Kai for several years so I know I know that road well.