mschwett
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
…
Put another way, a half mile at 8.8% grade requires 262 watts to maintain that 5.0 on the diverge for 6 minutes with nowhere to go for relief. My power curve (according to WKO) puts that kind of effort at one minute and thirty seconds until I fade.
The pinion really should win around this area (for me) unless/until/if my FTP is 275 or so (unlikely). Then the diverge *might* be a better option. What's more likely is I will lose weight and get my power to weight ratio under control *and* gain some FTP. Getting out of "you suck" ftp (maybe 225) + a bunch of weight loss would work.
260+ watts for 6 minutes is a lot. in the long run, the answer is definitely get the total load/weight down. i can say from experience that with an FTP in the 225-250 range, total weight in the 200lb range, it’s possible to ride pretty much any “normal” paved roads in north america with 1:1 gearing. one of my cross streets has a 21% slope, and while i don’t like to ride up it, i can. my typical rides include similar stretches to what you describe, 6% typ with peaks in the 8-12 range, for miles and miles. the pinion seems like a good stepping stone for you. if you get the weight down and power up a bit i think you’ll be amazed how much “easier” it is to climb on a light, efficient bike. it’s like riding your vado on eco
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