Subject: RE: What grade is too steep?Ummm....Tom's math is right...it's a 10% average grade, which is doable over 3 miles, in an 39-23, 39-27 will make it easier. I've ridden a hill that averages 14% for 2 1/2 miles, with some spots 21 or 22%, and that's clearly the limit for most normal riders, myself included. If you're not a billy goat, at about 21-22% you 1) start walking, 2) fall over, 3) weave. I'd be VERY surprised if there were spots in the road that were 30%. If you can make it up the hill, fine....but coming down, it's not safe for cars, trucks, or road bikes. I'm pretty aggressive on the bike, and I wouldn't touch that one. One little pebble, one sneeze, one crack in the pavement and *poof*, you're over the top, and you're going to slide a LOOOONG way. No, thanks. If there are spots of 30% grade, and you really want to ride it, pull out the MTB. It's safer. |