Originally Posted by
D(C)
I was running my 30t with 11-36 this weekend and nearly busted a gut climbing the top of Stonebridge to the Flank. I agree for most "normal" climbs it should be okay (no issues doing the Legacy Climb in Squampton) but a lower gear would be nice for when it gets real steep.
I would say do it for at least a couple weeks, even a month and you'll get used to it. I run 32X11-36 and I like it better than having a granny. I can't really compare my local riding to yours but I spend a fair amount of time on boarderline and hike-a-bike climbs and it makes no difference in how much I walk on any given hill because by the time it's too steep to pedal it's too steep to ride. Also, like someone said above, I'm better on the techy climbing because I don't spin out as much. Sometimes it hurts but at the end of the day I'm no more tired, in fact I think I feel better.
Not sure how valid this is but I also read a study recently that showed a correlation between percentage of VO2 max used and foot velocity at a given wattage. They drew two conclusions from this, 1. that shorter crank arms, and 2. that bigger gears were more efficient. This is pretty nerdy and the subjects were world class roadies but it makes you think and I feel like it bears out in my personal experience.
YMMV but I'd give it a bit more time and see if you get used to it.
There's nothing better than sliding down snow, and flying through the air
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