Re: Question RE: Gearing for Mountains

App said:

I am doing the Markleeville Death Ride (Sierra Nevada south of Lake
Tahoe) this year and am dithering about gearing. Here are my bike
options:

1. Compact (50/34) crank with either 13-29 or 13-26
2. 53/39 crank with 13-29

I have never gotten into the 29 with the 53/39 around here (the hills
of western Wisconsin) and have about 1400 miles since March plus ~500
trainer "miles" since Jan. 1. I will have 2000+ road miles in by the
time of the ride including a back-to-back century weekend.

The compact with the 13-29 appears to the safe choice given the
unknowns (altitude, climbs, etc...). Any suggestions from those that
have done this kind of riding before?

Thanks -

App

I vote for the compact with 13-29 also. All you are 'giving up' is the
53-13 combo, which is no big deal...The lower gears are a good thing,
anybody can go down hill.