First time post here. I've got to say this forum is amazing, truly pearls of wisdom abound here!! Now I am asking the more experienced than I for another. I recently bought a used 2002 Bianchi axis(cyclocross) with road tires and have been on 3 rides in one week. The first was 20 miles,(took 1hour 20min) with a few small hills, the 2nd was 22 miles with a few more aggressive hills(1h27min) and my last one yesturday was 27.27 miles, and about 2 miles of that was total incline.That took over 2 hours, but I didn't stop. I haven't found anyone to ride with, so I don't know where I'm at in relation to better riders. IS there any shame in putting the bike in the easiest gear setting in order to keep climbing?How do more experienced riders climb? When climbing yesturday, i was only averaging between 5mph. and 7mph. I probably could have ran it faster! But that wasn't my intent, i just sucked it up, wiped the torrent of burning sweat from my eyes, and kept on going.
Anyway, I apologize for the lengthy post, but any wisdom I can glean from any of you would be most appreciated. Thankyou and good day Brian
There's no shame in going into the bottom gear. It's probably more a matter of toughness/machismo, which is part of the reason that many people prefer a double over a triple chainring. Also, lower gears allow better spin, which helps in your aerobic fitness. Spin is also easier on the knees than big-gear mashing. Some professional cyclists, ie Lance Armstrong, spin when climbing, while others, ie Jan Ullrich, are big-gear mashers. It's really a matter of preference. Also, you should vary your position. Stand up sometimes.
