Longhorn bike course "gearing"

This user's post has been ignored.

This user's post has been ignored.

Carlos, just another data point for you: I rode the course with 12-25 and felt no need for an easier gear (I'm not a strong climber). There are only two real hills to speak of. It's a fun course!

I ride a SRAM 11-26. I rode the course last year on a Shimano 11-23. There is no "need" for anything lower than 23. I rode the course last weekend and did not use my 39/26. The course is not particularly hilly. A quick steep hill after the second right turn leaving Decker Lane and then, 50 miles later, the other hill is about 1 mile from T2. Everything else is more gradual.

I have nothing to offer other than pointing out that gearing is a pretty subjective matter. As is the term "hilly". I live in Dallas and even a rolling course I will call hilly where-as an Austinite may call it flat.

Best to take the gearing you have and terrain you normally ride on and compare those to the course you will be riding. Do you sometimes wish you had more gear now? Is the course hillier than home? If the answer is "yes" to both of these questions, go with lower gears. If the answer is "no", then stick with what you got. If in doubt, maybe go with the lower. 12-25 vs. 12-27 isn't much different and the high gear is the same. Better to have the 27 and not use it than want it and not have it.

Ditto what Tim said above. Better to have too much, than not enough.

Plus the harder you push the bike, the more you could pay for it on the run.  A minute saved in overall bike time from pushing too hard, could equate to several minutes slower on the run.

Edited by Doughboy 2008-09-15 4:19 PM

I am not racing long horn but I would say if you have the 12-27 use it.  I would not go out and spend $70+ for a new cassette.  If you already have it though I would throw it on.