Originally Posted by
brooklyn_bike
my girlfriend runs 42 x 18 = 63 and is able to make it up all the hills and bridges easily. keep in mind you'll spin out faster going down hills the lower the ratio. i run around a ratio in the low 70s. also remember good technique makes a big difference: building up good momentum and really attacking the first half of the hill, pulling well with your arms into the stroke and finally standing and mashing if necessary. there's good info out there on proper riding technique that makes your ride more efficient...
I agree, and I think a part of my problem is riding technique. I will check out the info and take your advice!
Going lower is at least worth a try.
I live in Seattle too when I was first riding I was on 83 for a while, went to 71 after a few months from a suggestion from a friend, and found that to be a lot less taxing on the hills. Do you know anyone running lower or that has a cog you could try out?
Some of its building the strength/endurance climbing, but you may benefit from a bit smaller as well.
Im on 71 too, but as I said, Im probablly way less fit than I could be and maybe if i just keep at it, in another couple weeks Ill get better.
Since you live in Seattle, you know that hill that becomes a brige on 12th going towards Beacon Hill (towards Pacific Medical Center) up to 14th and all that? I live up there and its such a pain getting up it, I'd probablly benefit from going a tad lower.
Originally Posted by
lukewall
Lower gearing is worth a shot. You're not getting much work in walking that bike up the hill. Try going up 2 teeth on your cog. Give that a try, you can always go back to the smaller cog. Who knows, you might like the lower gearing and spinning at a higher cadence.
Haha I know, its pretty silly. Ill give the going up two teeth a try. If Im not mistaken I think I have a fixed/fixed wheel, Im sure I can get another cog on there from a friend to try it out. I wish I could muster is up and just deal with it but Im sick of walking up that damned hill.