wintershade wrote:
Very helpful thanks. So sounds like I'd be in okay shape without the compact and a 29 granny gear for insurance.... Do you (or anyone) know if the "new" (for 2018) bike course is similar with respect to steepness? It's kind of hard to tell based on course info available at IM website. I http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events ... z5CrUfNPn9
If I do opt for a 29 cassette, any thoughts on 11-29 vs 12-29? Should I be coasting on the downhills, or keep on the pedals at low power to make up some time?
The steepest part of the old course was actually on the big descent to Pemberton as I recall, a little curve section that just popped up. The new course contains all of the old course except for a little 5 ish mile section on Alta Lake Road, which I only drove on. There was a steep section but I think the turnaround is before that.
All that to say that I don't recall there being anything "steep" as opposed to just a grind. I recall that the ride from the base of Callaghan back to Whistler Village sort of took me by surprise, I was prepared for two big climbs and that section seemed like a bit of an uphill roller / grind. I think that's going to be the biggest challenge, going up that 3X. On the old course I rode a 50/34 and 12-30, but I'm a bigger guy at 190 ish. Never felt any distress that i recall. Was happy to have the 30 at least for the steep part on the descent, actually not sure if I'll go 11-28 or 12-30. I don't go much faster than 35 -40 downhill so not worried much about spinning out
Shimano, I guess if I could get a 29 it'd be the compromise