GNRC

Hello everyone,

I am running a gear ratio of 52-20 on a terrible steel road conversion; I want to slowly build up my bike and get a more versatile crank (48t probably?) to run cogs to try and work up my leg strength by slowly increasing the gear ratio (18 to 17 cogs etc.)

I find it relatively easy to match cars on pretty slow toronto roads and skid stop, but not really getting terribly good off the line acceleration.... and my legs start to burn like crazy after about 15 minutes of pretty heavy riding. I want to work up to a higher gear ratio but not sure if my feeble legs could do it

So am I a *****, do I have a muscle deformity, or is it a conditioning thing derived from not riding in the winter all that much and my last summer's riding being compromised due to an accident?

Will I be less of a ***** in the future, is there a diet regiment you guys could recommend, or is there no hope for me?

Nagrom_

Yes. HTFU.

Jaytron

Spin > Mash

Spin to win bro.

GNRC

I'm starting a GIF countdown in my head

Santaria

Your hopeless has made you hopeless. HTFU.

If you want a real answer, this is a terrible question that immediately opens you up to ridicule, insult, ovarian cancer and the possibility of being kicked in the nuts.


Now go buy a smaller cog and stop worrying about what other people think, I'd suggest a 46:17 (if you're going to swap out that roadie big ring).


Wuss.

Jaytron

But seriously. Find what you're comfortable spinning at like 90rpm. 48/18 should be fine. I run 49/18 on my commuter.


Santaria so harsh! Also OT, this song plays in my head every time I read a post by you.

solipsist716

I already like this guy.

GNRC

These threads are much more hilarious when im the subject of ridicule

ThermionicScott 

No need to swap the chainring, just buy more cogs. And ride more.

Jaytron

Been lurking a while, or are you trolling us? HAhahaha

GNRC

Full time lurk

jet sanchEz

toronto is pretty flat so yeah, you need to harden up.

Oatmeal and bananas for breakfast is a pretty good way to get a lot of energy.

Jaytron

Ah ic.

One useful note, how long have you been riding?

GNRC

I've been riding for about three years.

As for hills, last year i used to be able to climb one of the only ones in toronto worth mentioning... I think its a case of me just becoming soft(er)

I am trying to become less so; so i guess this is more of a training question?

Spoonrobot 

52/20 is only around 70 gi. How many miles a month do you average?

Your legs are supposed to hurt while riding hard, that's the point.

ThermionicScott 

Actually, after doing the math, your gearing isn't stupid-low. A little higher than mine. So, just ride more.

jet sanchEz

Which hill is this?

Do circuits of High Park, it has all you need as far as elevation goes.

Jaytron

Sounds like you just need to work harder man. You'll get there. Training=pain though, get used to it.

"It never gets easier, you just get faster"

GNRC

I am doing around a 100 miles a month for basic commuting, occasionally I will go for joy rides around the city.

How much should i be doing to build my strength?

It's occuring to me that maybe 100 miles a month is actually a pretty infantile amount

GNRC

The only hill of note is the Bathurst + Davenport intersection.. hardly a hill but sometimes I opted to run up the Casaloma stairs and pedal up the slightly less steep hill after that.

As far as circuits of High park go, that is a damned good idea for a weekend ride.

Jaytron

To put it in perspective, everyone I know that takes riding even semi seriously does more than that in a week.

GNRC

Wowza, I guess i really do need to put in more miles before I change up

Thanks for all the advice and the warm welcomes

Jaytron

Welcome! Sounds like all you need to do is ride more, and get your fitness level up. Have fun!

hairnet

I was last on 52/21, that was my sweet spot and speed wasn't a problem. You will need to put in more miles or else riding will always be difficult. I get 100 miles a week just riding to work and other routine commutes.

ride more, try different gear combos

nightfly

https://www.moviewavs.com/0058349934/...t_High/wus.wav