Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I had a gravel bike too, with low gearing, which worked as you say, but in my case for fast climbing, a lighter bike works better for me. Obviously rider weight plays a big part in this mix. So at 60kg it’s easier for me to overcome gravity than a heavier rider. My current Aethos is super responsive on hills. My W/kg being good on hills still. At 68 I think it also helps keep my strength. Of course on a leisurely climb, measured pace and good gears do help take the strain. Chapeaux
It is about the gears on the steepest hills. Ditchling Beacon in Sussex was a hill I tried riding up a few times, it was possible with the right gearing. The other option is to become a super fit pro rider who can ride up anything!
Next time you think about building a proper climbing bike...build as light as possible with the gearing that best suits your capabilities and where you are climbing. Suggesting people just accept the 4kg extra weight because of the gearing is disingenuous. You can't easily or cheaply cut 4kg of weight....you can easily and relatively cheaply better gear a bike for steep climbs.
Its the rider
Disc brakes rub and are heavy
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I had a gravel bike too, with low gearing, which worked as you say, but in my case for fast climbing, a lighter bike works better for me. Obviously rider weight plays a big part in this mix. So at 60kg it’s easier for me to overcome gravity than a heavier rider. My current Aethos is super responsive on hills. My W/kg being good on hills still. At 68 I think it also helps keep my strength. Of course on a leisurely climb, measured pace and good gears do help take the strain. Chapeaux
Pace definitely needs to be measured on long climbs here in Wales.....thanks for watching.
It's all about the gearing .
It is about the gears on the steepest hills. Ditchling Beacon in Sussex was a hill I tried riding up a few times, it was possible with the right gearing. The other option is to become a super fit pro rider who can ride up anything!
I will take the first option please 😆
What is going on with the shifting on the boardman?
I switch between 2 wheelsets.
700c with 40mm tyres and 9 speed.
27.5 with 2.1mtb tyres and 10 speed.
So friction bar end Suntour ratchet shifting.
I’m predicting the return of “2x” as the next big thing
@jbenn43457 Me too
I've got a 46/30 upfront and 11/36 rear. You're absolutely right, I can climb walls with that gearing. Gravel bike for the win 👍
I have the same gearing on my heavy surly bike, I can climb anything on it and still enjoy the climb.
Next time you think about building a proper climbing bike...build as light as possible with the gearing that best suits your capabilities and where you are climbing. Suggesting people just accept the 4kg extra weight because of the gearing is disingenuous. You can't easily or cheaply cut 4kg of weight....you can easily and relatively cheaply better gear a bike for steep climbs.
I was more saying if your bike weighs that much it can still be geared as a good climber.
Not everyone can afford to build light.