Hi All,
I think that men must have the ability to cycle in harder gears for longer than women without getting tired, just because of their muscle-to-fat ratio in their torso and legs. Plus they can be heavier so adds up to more downward force on the pedals.
My situation was, we were out on a MTB route yesterday. My hubby and his mate pointed out that I should try not to cycle so fast but put it in a harder gear. I said that yep I agree with the concept but as I'm a newbie, at the moment, I tend to cycle with more repetitions and in an easier gear. They pointed out that is why I get out of breath quick. I agree that is true, but from my stand point, I would rather be out of breath then get dead legs because lactic acid seems to take longer to clear then getting a few breaths back.
The point is maybe I do bust a lung getting up hills, but so long as I get there surely in time my leg power will build up meaning I will be able to challenge those hills in harder gears one day?
Sometimes I think its hard for men to understand our physical differences in terms of strength?
My bike is a Ghost Miss 5500 hardtail with clip-in pedals I should add. I fell off yesterday whilst still clipped in, trying to pedal in a harder gear like they said.... now I have a very bruised knee to show for it!