L'Eroica CA Gearing??
#101
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,674
Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1924 Post(s)
Liked 1,954 Times
in
1,086 Posts
In 2016 my low was 42/24 and I couldn't turn smoothly enough not to slip on some gravel/soft climbing sections. I had 170 Cranks. Maybe longer Cranks would help. Other trouble spot was Kiler rutted parts where choosing the wrong line caused a wheels up dismount. Longer Cranks there might have made matters worse.
#102
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,452
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
Mentioned: 189 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1222 Post(s)
Liked 645 Times
in
232 Posts
From the standpoint of how it affects gearing, switching to a 175 crank from a 170 is like increasing your largest sprocket from 24T to 24.7T. However it will decrease your pedal to ground clearance by 5mm. If you adjust your saddle height for the bottom of the pedal stroke it will lower your body position by 5mm, which may help with stability. Finally, assuming you re-position your saddle height it will increase the bend in your knees at the top of the pedal stroke. For this reason some of us (not necessarily me) don't recommend it. Your knees may vary.
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
#103
Le Crocodile
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Santa Barbara Calif.
Posts: 1,873
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 367 Post(s)
Liked 771 Times
in
311 Posts
My gearing is now at 44-23.
Yes, I am going to "Pay the Piper". I am pretty strong, but it's going to be brutal for sure.
I though about swapping to a 42, but my SR cranks are just too sweet to throw on a NR small ring from my stash. Vanity, and lack of foresight are two of my attributes evidently.
Yes, I am going to "Pay the Piper". I am pretty strong, but it's going to be brutal for sure.
I though about swapping to a 42, but my SR cranks are just too sweet to throw on a NR small ring from my stash. Vanity, and lack of foresight are two of my attributes evidently.
#104
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 3,405
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 863 Post(s)
Liked 2,226 Times
in
1,249 Posts
Crank Length
From the standpoint of how it affects gearing, switching to a 175 crank from a 170 is like increasing your largest sprocket from 24T to 24.7T. However it will decrease your pedal to ground clearance by 5mm. If you adjust your saddle height for the bottom of the pedal stroke it will lower your body position by 5mm, which may help with stability. Finally, assuming you re-position your saddle height it will increase the bend in your knees at the top of the pedal stroke. For this reason some of us (not necessarily me) don't recommend it. Your knees may vary.
#105
Senior Member
What is the main climb like, as far as the grade? Someone says like 2-3 miles at 10%? I don't think I'm going to make it this year - unless it's some last minute thing, but I'd like to know in case I go next year.
While I've not done eroica, I've done a fair amount of epic rides like this on BITD. On pavement is a whole other thing that dirt. Main issue is that it's hard to keep the rear wheel from slipping. Getting out of the saddle will usually result in instant slippage. Count on climbing in the saddle most of the time. I always figure I need at least a gear or two lower to keep traction, especially if it's muddy. With really good technique, it's possible to push a bigger gear and maintain traction, but my technique isn't that good. I can't see crank length making a difference one way or another.
While I've not done eroica, I've done a fair amount of epic rides like this on BITD. On pavement is a whole other thing that dirt. Main issue is that it's hard to keep the rear wheel from slipping. Getting out of the saddle will usually result in instant slippage. Count on climbing in the saddle most of the time. I always figure I need at least a gear or two lower to keep traction, especially if it's muddy. With really good technique, it's possible to push a bigger gear and maintain traction, but my technique isn't that good. I can't see crank length making a difference one way or another.
#106
aka: Dr. Cannondale
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,852
Mentioned: 234 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2151 Post(s)
Liked 3,380 Times
in
1,198 Posts
There are three significant climbs: Killer Canyon, Cypress Mountain, and Santa Rita:
Killer is step, narrow and rutted. This is where tires with a little tread pattern will help keep your momentum and minimize slippage.
Cypress is steep and seemingly endless. This is where you need all the gear you can find. Or walk.
Santa Rita is 2000 feet of elevation over 6 miles. The surface is gravel with some ruts, but not too bad as there are many homes in the area and it's kept up reasonable well. But it's still a slog in the hottest part of the day.
For gearing, in 2016 I had a 48/34 crank and 13/28 freewheel. I walked up the very last part of both Killer Canyon and Cypress, made it all the way up Santa Rita. Last year I had a 50/34/24 triple and a 12/34 cassette. We were re-routed around Killer Canyon due to heavy rain, but made it up both Cypress and Santa Rita without walking. This year I've lost about 25 pounds and will have a 46/36/24 triple with a 12/34 cassette on a lighter bike. My assumption is I won't need the extreme gears I had last year, but nice to have 'em around just in case.
Killer is step, narrow and rutted. This is where tires with a little tread pattern will help keep your momentum and minimize slippage.
Cypress is steep and seemingly endless. This is where you need all the gear you can find. Or walk.
Santa Rita is 2000 feet of elevation over 6 miles. The surface is gravel with some ruts, but not too bad as there are many homes in the area and it's kept up reasonable well. But it's still a slog in the hottest part of the day.
For gearing, in 2016 I had a 48/34 crank and 13/28 freewheel. I walked up the very last part of both Killer Canyon and Cypress, made it all the way up Santa Rita. Last year I had a 50/34/24 triple and a 12/34 cassette. We were re-routed around Killer Canyon due to heavy rain, but made it up both Cypress and Santa Rita without walking. This year I've lost about 25 pounds and will have a 46/36/24 triple with a 12/34 cassette on a lighter bike. My assumption is I won't need the extreme gears I had last year, but nice to have 'em around just in case.
__________________
Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
#107
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,674
Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1924 Post(s)
Liked 1,954 Times
in
1,086 Posts
Nah. 2-3 miles avg 8%. Maybe you can see this.
https://www.strava.com/activities/541843140
Short pieces 10% of course. Scroll down an click on segments like Kiler, Cypress, etc.
https://www.strava.com/activities/541843140
Short pieces 10% of course. Scroll down an click on segments like Kiler, Cypress, etc.
#108
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 14,787
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 522 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3228 Post(s)
Liked 3,854 Times
in
1,436 Posts
Agreed! That's why my Eroica bike will be sporting one of your triplizers, despite how much the purists will wince to see it. Right now I'm debating between an inner ring so small the NR front derailleur won't lift it onto the middle ring (manual gear changes are period correct, right?) and a slightly bigger ring that will have me walking more often.
__________________
My Bikes
My Bikes
#109
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,674
Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1924 Post(s)
Liked 1,954 Times
in
1,086 Posts
I cosidered a triplizer but on my stronglight and running a 46/36 double on my px-10 which might look pretty normal vintage to many folk. But this year I’m committed to the Medici with what i fantasize are 1981 road gears.
#110
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Washington County, Vermont, USA
Posts: 3,787
Bikes: 1966 Dawes Double Blue, 1976 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1975 Raleigh Sprite 27, 1980 Univega Viva Sport, 1971 Gitane Tour de France, 1984 Lotus Classique, 1976 Motobecane Grand Record
Mentioned: 77 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 758 Post(s)
Liked 647 Times
in
343 Posts
I think "The Wincing Purist" would be a great name for a bar/restaurant, or maybe a retailer of some kind.
__________________
www.redclovercomponents.com
"Progress might have been all right once, but it has gone on too long."
--Ogden Nash
www.redclovercomponents.com
"Progress might have been all right once, but it has gone on too long."
--Ogden Nash
#111
RUSA #3100
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Oregon City
Posts: 834
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 234 Post(s)
Liked 486 Times
in
178 Posts
Nah. 2-3 miles avg 8%. Maybe you can see this.
https://www.strava.com/activities/541843140
Short pieces 10% of course. Scroll down an click on segments like Kiler, Cypress, etc.
https://www.strava.com/activities/541843140
Short pieces 10% of course. Scroll down an click on segments like Kiler, Cypress, etc.
__________________
https://utahrandonneur.wordpress.com
https://utahrandonneur.wordpress.com
#112
bocobiking
Noobie with a question
So, I’m coming from Colorado to ride L’Eroica for the first time. I’m riding the short 40mile course to kind of break in. I was wondering if anyone has ridden this course and if so could you tell me what the hills and grades are like. Are they over 10%, long, and rutted as I see that the other routes’ are? The website describes this course as having “rolling hills,” which doesn’t sound too bad.
#113
Shifting is fun!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,003
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 277 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2182 Post(s)
Liked 4,526 Times
in
1,743 Posts
#114
Senior Member
So, I’m coming from Colorado to ride L’Eroica for the first time. I’m riding the short 40mile course to kind of break in. I was wondering if anyone has ridden this course and if so could you tell me what the hills and grades are like. Are they over 10%, long, and rutted as I see that the other routes’ are? The website describes this course as having “rolling hills,” which doesn’t sound too bad.
#115
Disciple of St. Tullio
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: State of Jefferson
Posts: 740
Bikes: Ciöcc, Bianchi, DeRosa, Eddy Merckx, Frejus, Hampsten, Kondor, Losa, Magni, Pegoretti, Pelizzoli, Pogliaghi, Scapin
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 264 Post(s)
Liked 326 Times
in
138 Posts
So, I’m coming from Colorado to ride L’Eroica for the first time. I’m riding the short 40mile course to kind of break in. I was wondering if anyone has ridden this course and if so could you tell me what the hills and grades are like. Are they over 10%, long, and rutted as I see that the other routes’ are? The website describes this course as having “rolling hills,” which doesn’t sound too bad.
#116
Le Crocodile
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Santa Barbara Calif.
Posts: 1,873
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 367 Post(s)
Liked 771 Times
in
311 Posts
For what it is worth..............I live around these parts and it is going to be gorgeous weather with no mud! A perfect sunny day to enjoy our bikes!!!!!!
#117
bocobiking
Thanks for the info on the 40 miler. Ezulis, I hope you’re right about the weather.
#118
aka: Dr. Cannondale
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,852
Mentioned: 234 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2151 Post(s)
Liked 3,380 Times
in
1,198 Posts
Yeah. Would be nice to have a dry ride this year...and not so cold at the start, please!
__________________
Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
#119
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Berkeley CA
Posts: 2,534
Bikes: 1981 Ron Cooper, 1974 Cinelli Speciale Corsa, 2000 Gary Fisher Sugar 1, 1986 Miyata 710, 1982 Raleigh "International"
Mentioned: 97 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 926 Post(s)
Liked 1,285 Times
in
484 Posts
25% has got to be a Strava glitch. There's no way any of those climbs are that steep. 20% for very short pitches maybe.
#120
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,452
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
Mentioned: 189 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1222 Post(s)
Liked 645 Times
in
232 Posts
Hmm. IIRC there is a stretch on the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park that DeLorme Topo NAm shows as 25%.. Fortunately it is one-way downhill! We've done it on our tandem and I've ridden it solo many times, and yes it is fast.
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
#121
RUSA #3100
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Oregon City
Posts: 834
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 234 Post(s)
Liked 486 Times
in
178 Posts
L'Eroica Italia has many short but steeper sections of 25% plus!
__________________
https://utahrandonneur.wordpress.com
https://utahrandonneur.wordpress.com
#122
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: La Habra, California
Posts: 820
Bikes: Italvega Super Speciales and Superlights
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 355 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
Check the Eroica California 2018 route maps here for cue sheets, maps, and elevation charts:
https://www.eroicacalifornia.com/routes
Are you riding at Eroica this year?
https://www.eroicacalifornia.com/routes
Are you riding at Eroica this year?
__________________
Italvega and Torpado Enthusiast
Italvega and Torpado Enthusiast
Last edited by mech986; 03-31-18 at 02:37 AM.
#123
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: La Habra, California
Posts: 820
Bikes: Italvega Super Speciales and Superlights
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 355 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
So, I’m coming from Colorado to ride L’Eroica for the first time. I’m riding the short 40mile course to kind of break in. I was wondering if anyone has ridden this course and if so could you tell me what the hills and grades are like. Are they over 10%, long, and rutted as I see that the other routes’ are? The website describes this course as having “rolling hills,” which doesn’t sound too bad.
Which of your bikes will you be riding, and how are you flying in/transporting your bike/staying?
Check into our thread about Eroica here, I've added you into the BF participant list on post #84:
Eroica California 2018 - BF C&V page - plus donations question
__________________
Italvega and Torpado Enthusiast
Italvega and Torpado Enthusiast
#124
bocobiking
There's 3 reasonably challenging climbs, none really long, plus a fairly short but steep climb to the Olea Olive farm stop. But it makes the Olive oil Fries oh so worth it!
Which of your bikes will you be riding, and how are you flying in/transporting your bike/staying?
Check into our thread about Eroica here, I've added you into the BF participant list on post #84:
Eroica California 2018 - BF C&V page - plus donations question
Which of your bikes will you be riding, and how are you flying in/transporting your bike/staying?
Check into our thread about Eroica here, I've added you into the BF participant list on post #84:
Eroica California 2018 - BF C&V page - plus donations question
I’m driving in. My wife and I are meeting daughter and family from Pasadena and son and family from Seattle. We will be celebrating our 50th anniversary. Thanks for adding me to the list.
#125
RUSA #3100
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Oregon City
Posts: 834
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 234 Post(s)
Liked 486 Times
in
178 Posts
I will be riding at EC this year with an outside chance for Eroica Japan, on my modified Bianchi L'Eroica. I'll be riding the medium coastal route. I will also be bringing back my old BMW for display on the concourse. If I ever went back to ride in Italy it would probably be for the Montalcino route.
__________________
https://utahrandonneur.wordpress.com
https://utahrandonneur.wordpress.com