Quote Originally Posted by OakLeaf View Post
Oh good grief, you were trying to climb in the big ring? No wonder you weren't going anywhere.

Sounds like a cadence monitor would be a good investment for you. Unless you're in your bottom gear and have no choice, you really want to be above 55-60 rpm on the hills to spare your knees.

Among other things, if you're mashing the gears you're likely not pedaling very smoothly, so you are at a bit greater risk of tipping over when you get below 3 mph or so.

NY Biker, I've heard people say that before, but not while they were walking up said hill. Your walking speed declines on a steep grade, as well...
O DEAR NO! I've never tried to conquer that hill in the big ring!!! Wasn't long ago I was dropping all the way down to true granny (bike is a triple).

I've started to work some single leg pedaling drills while out with my roommate (who likes to ride her comfort bike around town) and it's definitely helping my spin (not sure how she feels about me keeping up with her one-legged though! ). I'll keep up with that; just got to find a way to do it and not scratch up my top-tube...poor Yeti

I couldn't stand it anymore though and went and picked up my new toy. I've only taken it up the baby commute hill thus far (not the big one), but darn was the difference impressive; I just sailed right on up like it was nothing. I can't wait to try it out on some real rides this weekend. Watch, it will have all been a bike/fit issue (yea, right! "It's not about the bike").