Subject: RE: What kind of gearing/ cassette for IMWI? I rode IMWI in 2005 and 2007 on a 2004 Specialized Roubaix with a triple on the front because I was concerned about the hills. I rode a 5:21 bike split and 59th overall in 2007. I don't think I ever used my smallest gear in the race, maybe a little bit during training. Since then I'm riding a Scott Plasma with a 52x39 and 11x23. Rode a 5:18 last year and 49th overall split.
Cycling is my specialty, and I'm working pretty hard on my low gears on the bigger hills. Often I stand on the three hills between Cross Plains and Verona to get more power and to pass faster. If hills at Louisville were an issue, I'd highly recommend getting smaller gears and a compact crank. Don't worry about gears you can hold at 30-40 mph, because there aren't many times on the Ironman Wisconsin course when you will be able to pedal in your top gear without spinning out. Just coast, enjoy the ride, and get in the right gear for the next hill.
As always, make every attempt to pre-ride the course sometime this summer. The time and money spent will be well worth the knowledge you'll gain. Feel free to ask a local if you have any more questions (message and data rates may apply ). |