So I am a relatively new road bike rider (not new to biking). Based on my experience so far, I am going decent on flats and short climbs where I can hold good cadence and speed. I average about 16-17 mph overall on rides including elevation. But I believe what's holding me back are steep climbs where your average grade is around 5 to 7%. I have read and heard some riders use their big rings to power through the climbs while others just stay in their biggest gear in the back and spin like a hamster. I have employed both strategies and neither works. Being in the big ring kills the cadence but helps with the distance but I tap out before the climb finishes. If I stick with the small chainring and shift to the biggest, I keep spinning but don't cover much distance and then eventually tap out there too.
I wonder how the majority of people here attack climbs and how many use their big chainrings.
My current setup is a 50/34t crankset and a 11-28 cassette.
Appreciate any suggestions to get better here. Thanks!
I wonder how the majority of people here attack climbs and how many use their big chainrings.
My current setup is a 50/34t crankset and a 11-28 cassette.
Appreciate any suggestions to get better here. Thanks!