Some sage advice please

[threshold]

If all goes well, a CTW scheme will be in place soon, but I am in a quandary as to what to get-----because, whilst I am managing (just) the climbs to work at the moment( one being on analysis an average of 6% over 1 mile, but peaking along its route at 20% for a few dozen yards) on a somewhat shagged MTB on the granny gear; if I get, say a Defy 2, will this be higher geared with the resulting effect of me ignominiously pushing my nice new toy ashamedly up that bloody hill?
Any thoughts or guidance much appreciated!

 

[Radius]

But it will be lighter and more responsive, and if you ride clipless you'll be able to put significantly more power through the pedals, which should offset the need for a granny gear. Unless you're just a lazy b*****d

 

[threshold]

Actually, its yes to both,
1) I do ride clipless and
2) I am a lazy B*****d!
However, I do get some strange looks when shouting to myself ' Keep going you Prat!' when nearing the point of capitulation up them thar hills!

 

[Radius]

I think I've once got near the top of a hard hill, gone up a gear and stood up and sprinted up the rest. I did, however, at the same time manage to let eschew from my throat a blood curdling roar of epic amplitude. I think most people thought I'd fallen off

 

[asterix]

Bike weight doesn't make as big a difference to hill climbing as might be thought. More important is rider weight and fitness, how well the bike fits you and indeed the gears.

..said having ridden a tourer+load weighing over 32kg up various large hills reasonably comfortably and without getting off to push.

 

[MartinC]

Bottom line is that you won't know 'til you try. If you can borrow a light road bike to try out it may give you some idea.

The weight of the bike is only a small part of the whole package. Stiffness will make a difference too. There's no doubt that low gears will be really helpful.

 

[c2c]

If all goes well, a CTW scheme will be in place soon, but I am in a quandary as to what to get-----because, whilst I am managing (just) the climbs to work at the moment( one being on analysis an average of 6% over 1 mile, but peaking along its route at 20% for a few dozen yards) on a somewhat shagged MTB on the granny gear; if I get, say a Defy 2, will this be higher geared with the resulting effect of me ignominiously pushing my nice new toy ashamedly up that bloody hill?
Any thoughts or guidance much appreciated![/quote

i was riding a trek full susser to work and was always looking for an excuse not to ride and to take the car. but i love cycling, and thought there must be a better way. so i bought a light road bike, it has taller gearing, but now i always ride to work rain or shine....... i cant say my commute has become easier, but the bike works with me as opposed to the trek, which as a commuter, worked against me...... that make sense.??

 

[adscrim]

Any thoughts or guidance much appreciated!

Practice blocking out the ride to work and concentrate on the fun you can have riding home!

Alternatively, do some hill reps

 

[marinyork]

A 300ft hill should not give you significant problems if done regularly enough.

Get a bike that doesn't have nobblies and is lighter. I've found the difference of thinner tyres going uphill is actually quite significant.

 

[Downward]

If all goes well, a CTW scheme will be in place soon, but I am in a quandary as to what to get-----because, whilst I am managing (just) the climbs to work at the moment( one being on analysis an average of 6% over 1 mile, but peaking along its route at 20% for a few dozen yards) on a somewhat shagged MTB on the granny gear; if I get, say a Defy 2, will this be higher geared with the resulting effect of me ignominiously pushing my nice new toy ashamedly up that bloody hill? B)
Any thoughts or guidance much appreciated!

What hill is that ?

 

[threshold]

Downward,
The hill is Waterfall Lane in Blackheath, I don't always ( or indeed can!) take this route, but its a hell of a challenge for me. Didn't know what its gradients were until I isolated it on Map My Ride, and was a little shocked!

 

[Downward]

Downward,
The hill is Waterfall Lane in Blackheath, I don't always ( or indeed can!) take this route, but its a hell of a challenge for me. Didn't know what its gradients were until I isolated it on Map My Ride, and was a little shocked!

Excellent - I take Mucklow Hill !

You don't realise how steep and long it really is until you go somewhere else. Today I went up to Merry Hill through Quarry Bank and it was so easy.

Still good training though,