tri/cycling... speed cassettes > Knowledge sources - Triathlon Week

mimetriweek · 02-21-2005, 10:09 PM

Anyone know where online (or elsewhere) I can find a good source for explaining gear sets, speed cassettes, this kind of thing... such as choosing 11-21, 11-23, 12-23, 12-25, 12-27..., etc. I know that I'm still learning, just into Tri's 1 year now - I did 5 last year (3 sprints and 2 Int'l's lengths). This year I'm tacking the half-Ironman distance. Anyway... even if I ride hard on the bike (I have a 56cm Cervelo One built out to 79 degree tri geometry), watch my rotations on Spinscan, use the highest/hardest gear possible AND going downhill (it's great to have a Computrainer)... I still can NOT get past 28 mph or therabouts. My average all last year was 16.5 to 17 (don't laugh, I'm new) and now over the winter improved to mid 17's to 18 or better depending on route. So HOW do I get to the 20's? I think if I understand this gear thing, it will help - maybe a gearing change is needed. -m

pyschosyd · 02-22-2005, 02:06 PM

I think you are looking at the gear thing the wrong way. The difference between an 11-23 and 11-25 is the teeth on the large cog. This is the cog responsible for your easier gears. Therefore changing to a 25 from a 23 will only give you an easier gear, Not a harder(bigger) one. Triatheletes change there cassettes based on the terrain that they are going to encounter on a giving race. If they know that it is going to be a hilly course they choose a wider range 11-25 for example for the easier climbing gear. If they know it is going to be a flat fast course they will go with an 11-23 so they have more options at smaller intervals.

Personally I wouldn't worry too much about what cassette you are running.
That is something pros are concerned about.
I don't know what you are doing for training at the moment. If you are trying to get faster you may want to try doing more interval work than long distances. Also you should concentrate on keeping as high a cadence as possible. The faster you are pedaling the less pushing your legs are having to do. You are also able to maintain your momentum better. This will especially help you when you are tackling the big hills.
I personally don't push a big gear very often. I am more inclined to keep a high cadence. I am from a MTB background where a high cadence is necessary.
Good luck with the racing. Hope this helps
Syd