ManxJason
Regular
Hello guys,
This question is one that's probably asked quite often, but, the answer i'm sure always varies depending on the rider asking it.
Well since I started cycling mid June I have ridden:
16 Rides
283 miles
Biggest climb: 1,251ft
Biggest ride: 38miles
My biggest ride was around the TT course (I live on the Isle of Man) which took me around 3.5 hours, smashing my previous ride of 25miles.
What i'm really struggling with is hills. I'm running a 9 speed Tiagra groupset with a 12-27 cassette, and my cadence on the really steep hills is awful. I find it incredibly hard to keep any kind of spin going, and when in my lowest gear just chug along up the hill, rotating muscle groups (pedalling normally 10ish turns, then heel down 10ish turns etc) to get up. I am yet to get off the bike and walk, and nor will I - I know if I allow myself to get off and walk once, I'll keep repeating it and never progress!!!! I normally try and stay in the saddle, but the most challenging of climb to date resulted in me having to get out the saddle, leaning over the bars and almost coming to a complete standstill.
So guys, should I consider changing to a 11-32? Although it's a Tiagra, I have read reviews stating that the 32 fits. Or should I persist.
Thanks
p.s. I weigh 220lb
This question is one that's probably asked quite often, but, the answer i'm sure always varies depending on the rider asking it.
Well since I started cycling mid June I have ridden:
16 Rides
283 miles
Biggest climb: 1,251ft
Biggest ride: 38miles
My biggest ride was around the TT course (I live on the Isle of Man) which took me around 3.5 hours, smashing my previous ride of 25miles.
What i'm really struggling with is hills. I'm running a 9 speed Tiagra groupset with a 12-27 cassette, and my cadence on the really steep hills is awful. I find it incredibly hard to keep any kind of spin going, and when in my lowest gear just chug along up the hill, rotating muscle groups (pedalling normally 10ish turns, then heel down 10ish turns etc) to get up. I am yet to get off the bike and walk, and nor will I - I know if I allow myself to get off and walk once, I'll keep repeating it and never progress!!!! I normally try and stay in the saddle, but the most challenging of climb to date resulted in me having to get out the saddle, leaning over the bars and almost coming to a complete standstill.
So guys, should I consider changing to a 11-32? Although it's a Tiagra, I have read reviews stating that the 32 fits. Or should I persist.
Thanks
p.s. I weigh 220lb