Mr. Silver is a cyclist!

[li10up]

Is mashing horrible if it feels natural and comfortable?

I don't think so...I rode yesterday with an older gentleman who has earned 2, yes two, rainbow jerseys. He is primarily a mtn. biker. He pushes big gears and spins slowly. He is very strong! He has been riding about 30 years and it hasn't hurt his knees. I think if you have strong knees it's fine. He keeps encouraging me to push harder gears. He's not trying to turn me into a masher but he says I need to improve my leg strength. So he wants me to push a harder gear as long as my knees can take it and don't hurt.

Strength-to-weight ratio: I've got to improve my strength as well as lose some weight.