I started riding back in the spring on a 2011 Trek FX 7.5 (triple). For most of the spring and summer I have done beginner group rides that were mostly 15 miles in length, and we would average around 11-13 mph, depending on who showed up for the rides. Last week I moved up to a C group ride, which is about 19 miles long and I guess they average around 14-16 mph. I knew I was in trouble when I fell pretty far behind within the first few miles. I just couldn't keep up speed wise. I can do the distance, but not the speed...
My question has to do with gearing....at the beginning of the summer a leader in one of the beginner groups told me I really didn't need to use my big chain ring in the front, unless I was going down hill. For the most part, I stay in the middle chain ring, and occassionally used the smaller ring going up hills. On the C ride last week, I was in my middle chain ring in the front, and all the way up to the last gear in the back. I felt like no matter how hard I pedaled, I couldn't go fast enough to keep up with the pack. Should I move into the big chain ring on the flats, but keep it in a lower gear in the back? Or will this cause me to "mash" and burn out? Sorry for the lack of technical terminology...the whole gearing thing and ratios, etc confuses me a bit. Thanks for any advice!