newbie question re. gearing.

[madisongrrl]

Well, it's a ride that focuses on climbing, so maybe that's why?
http://www.highlandercycletour.com/

We've been done a charity ride the past two years (the Ride for Roswell) and I know they don't have any minimum gearing requirements

We were thinking about doing the "Wanderer" ride, which is the easiest one (30 miles with 2 moderate climbs) and actually requires a slightly lower minimum gearing (39/25)

I showed this thread to my hubby and apparently he gets it (it's still all Greek to me :blush: ) so he's going to figuring out our gearing later.

39/25 minimum gearing is really high. You will be fine with the gearing on your bike. I would guess there are probably very few (or maybe zero) TE women who would have 39/25 as the lowest gearing on their road bike.

Looks like a really neat ride. It should be a fun time!

[Jenerator]

And another question, maillotpois -- maillot=shirt, pois?????

maillot pois = polka dot jersey, for the best mountain rider. For instance, Michael Rasmussen, who really earned/defended the jersey in the 16th stage of the 2006 Tour. Probably without gearing as low as 39/27 either.



photo from cyclingnews.com

[DebW]

I would guess there are probably very few (or maybe zero) TE women who would have 39/25 as the lowest gearing on their road bike.

There is at least one. I have 42/52 front and 13/24 rear. But I live in southern New England where there are hills but no mountains. I wouldn't try riding in California on these gears. However, I do like hills and tend to seek them out on my rides. I can do steep hills, but they are always less than 1/2 mile long. And BTW, my 24 rear cog is almost never used after my first month of spring riding. And my climbing cadence is generally near or above 70, cadence on the flats around 90. I use a 6 speed freewheel, and my 1970 Campy derailleur can't handle anything bigger than 24 (23 would be better for it and that's what I've usually had til the latest freewheel swap when I couldn't find one).

[maillotpois]

I know we're talking about gears, but: is this why when DH comes cruising up behind me on the road, I think I'm hearing a car??????

And another question, maillotpois -- maillot=shirt, pois?????

Karen in Boise

If DH has a MTB, yes! If you're going to ride your MTB on the road you and others around you will be happier if you've got slicks!

And the question about the maillot a pois was basically answered - but "pois" means "peas" or "dots" and I have been using this handle since I fell in love with Laurent Jalabert in 2001. And there's some irony to it for me because I do lots of climbing rides (The Death Ride, Mt. Tam Double, etc.) but am not the fastest climber in the world!

[Kano]

If DH has a MTB, yes! If you're going to ride your MTB on the road you and others around you will be happier if you've got slicks!

And the question about the maillot a pois was basically answered - but "pois" means "peas" or "dots" and I have been using this handle since I fell in love with Laurent Jalabert in 2001. And there's some irony to it for me because I do lots of climbing rides (The Death Ride, Mt. Tam Double, etc.) but am not the fastest climber in the world!

Peas, huh? I bet you're a faster climber than ME!

Now, those tires -- help me sell DH on this slicks thing. It didn't work when the cop across the street told him we should have slicks, and he keeps hollering NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooo when I tell him I need them -- you WILL like mountain biking, he says -- so how do I sell HIM on having them, because if he does, then I can have them too.

I don't know WHY I don't just go get my danged tires and the heck with what he says....

Karen in Boise

[MomOnBike]

You know, it's possible to have two sets of tires, and switch them out depending on where you are riding that day.

This closely resembles work, however. It's easier to just have multiple bikes...

And yes, it is YOUR bike. Ride the tires that make you happier/faster/whatever. Your DH can ride his choice. Once my DH & I realized we don't have to be identical, life became easier.

[DebW]

You know, it's possible to have two sets of tires, and switch them out depending on where you are riding that day.

This closely resembles work, however. It's easier to just have multiple bikes...

You could have 2 sets of wheels. Swapping them hardly resembles work. And it's far cheaper than having 2 bikes, but still $$$.

[madisongrrl]

You could have 2 sets of wheels. Swapping them hardly resembles work. And it's far cheaper than having 2 bikes, but still $$$.

I have two wheels sets for one of my mountain bikes, but it is annonying because I have to readjust my brakes every time I switch them (different sets of rims). I'd recommend getting the same wheel set if you have two different sets of tires.

[bcipam]

It's funny to me that the Ride posts a mini. gearing ratio needed of 39/25 or 27 since most bikes, if they have a double, will have 39/25 or 27 (and yes I know they could also have 23 or 21). A triple chainring system will have not only the 39 as the middle ring, but a 30 or smaller (as the small ring) as well. If you have a triple and a rear cassette of 25 or 27 (the number of teeth on the largest cassette in back) then that's fairly low granny gear.

So I wonder, - will the ride directors check and see if someone shows up with a 39/23 and if so, will that person be tossed out? Ride here in California usually just post the gradient and then it's up to the rider to decide if they are able to climb it. I know in some states, say Texas, when riding around in
the country, you can run across some short but very steep little hills like with a 30% gradient. Without a granny, I would have to walk the hill.

[maillotpois]

Peas, huh? I bet you're a faster climber than ME!

Now, those tires -- help me sell DH on this slicks thing. It didn't work when the cop across the street told him we should have slicks, and he keeps hollering NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooo when I tell him I need them -- you WILL like mountain biking, he says -- so how do I sell HIM on having them, because if he does, then I can have them too.

I don't know WHY I don't just go get my danged tires and the heck with what he says....

Karen in Boise

He will go a LOT faster if he has slick tires. Does that help???

If he does ride on dirt, he won't want slicks, though. The idea of having 2 sets of tires is good, but boy what a pain that would be every time you wanted to do a different ride. Are you riding your MTB only on the road?? If so, then you really should switch out the tires. Best thing - switch them out and then ride with him and he can see how much easier it is for you to ride!! You may need to be the trend setter here.

[Pedal Wench]

It's not required gearing - it's recommended! The ride says, "Minimum RECOMMENDED gearing is 39/27 OR WIMPIER".

I think they're just using that to give folks an idea of how steep the climbing is (looking at the pictures, it looks pretty tough!),with a bit of tongue in cheek humor. And, to head off the hundreds of 'what gearing should I use' emails the ride directors usually get!

You'll be fine!

[morsecode]

It's not required gearing - it's recommended! The ride says, "Minimum RECOMMENDED gearing is 39/27 OR WIMPIER".

I think they're just using that to give folks an idea of how steep the climbing is (looking at the pictures, it looks pretty tough!),with a bit of tongue in cheek humor. And, to head off the hundreds of 'what gearing should I use' emails the ride directors usually get!

You'll be fine!

Yeah, it might have been good if I had managed to navigate to the registration page.
I just saw this note "Minimum gearing 39/27 (Highlander, Lowlander, Midlander), 39/25 (Wanderer)" at the bottom of the schedule page and got all worried *blushing*

Thanks for your help!

[KSH]

I read some of the replies... dang... if I had to count something on my bike before I could determine if I could join the ride or not... I would never leave the house!

Way too complicated for me!

I like the "this ride averages xx pace" group rides!

[Kano]

He will go a LOT faster if he has slick tires. Does that help???

If he does ride on dirt, he won't want slicks, though. The idea of having 2 sets of tires is good, but boy what a pain that would be every time you wanted to do a different ride. Are you riding your MTB only on the road?? If so, then you really should switch out the tires. Best thing - switch them out and then ride with him and he can see how much easier it is for you to ride!! You may need to be the trend setter here.

The more I listen to him as we're riding, I think his objection to me putting slicks on my bike (or getting a roadie) is that he doesn't want ME to go faster!

He likes the idea of dirt riding, and claims to be "putting up with" riding on the roads until I get strong enough to ride on dirt and like it. I'm pretty sure it ain't gonna happen! Hmmmm, let's see. Tomorrow's booked, Wednesday, hopefully I can get out for part of the day -- or Thursday's my next opportunity to go off and get into more bike shop mischief!

Can't believe how "timid" I've been about this upgrade -- I did my gloves, shoes, and seat all on my own, no checking with him, no waiting for him to come along to the shop.... Hands hurt, get gloves, feet hurt, get shoes, butt hurts, get seat -- you'd think I could just dive right in on these tires!

Yup, I think I'm done waiting on his okay -- I'll just get out the old trek bike for the dirt if I HAVE to....

Karen in Boise

[bcipam]

Yeah, it might have been good if I had managed to navigate to the registration page.
I just saw this note "Minimum gearing 39/27 (Highlander, Lowlander, Midlander), 39/25 (Wanderer)" at the bottom of the schedule page and got all worried *blushing*

Thanks for your help!

Does the ride (either in its flyers or website) mention the elevation gain or steepness of some of the grades? I'm just curious.