I'm chuckling here, because I'm actually reading this thread with great interest. This weekend, I'm going on a trip to northern michigan with my boyfriend. I've never ridden with him before, and have been kind of really nervous about it. I've always been of the mindset that most any guy in reasonable shape could beat me riding a bike. Not that I care. Endurance-wise, I could easily "win". I just always figured that men have those inherently bigger muscles than women have.

HOWEVER, I brought my BF's bike home with me this last weekend, and noticed when I unloaded it that the gears were set at 1 (big ring) and 4 (small ring)!!! Now, we are in a swamp area down by Lake Erie. There are literally NO hills here. What the heck was he doing on his bike when he rode it?? Ummmm....1-3????

In other words, I have a strong feeling I'm gonna kick his butt....