Not an experienced climber and am renting a bike, so I have little control over what I’m riding. FTP is in the neighborhood of 265 watts (off season shape, which is where I am now). Am I going to tumble over, vomit, quit, or all of the above. Should I try to arrange something else (although I already called the shop and they said they wouldn’t change the cassette on a rental)? Or is it just going to be a long 12 miles for me?
people used to ride up mountains like this before powermeters and carbon
shut up and do it!
You’d get up it on a beach cruiser if you had the tenacity.
Your power is irrelevant without knowing your weight.
I’m going to try no matter what. But I’m just trying to gauge the level of humiliation I should prepare myself for. You see, I’m going to ride it this sunday morning and I expect many others to be on the road as it’s the same day as the TOC comes through. If I can expect to be curled up in a ball, begging for my mommy after the first mile, I will be sure to wear clothing that won’t identify and embarrass my local shop here in Chicago.
Good point. I’m also in off season eating and beer drinking mode. I’m about 185.
I’m pretty sure you can make it, it may suck in places, especially if you don’t go uphill much normally. I’m pretty sure you won’t be the slowest person on the mountain on sunday though, your speed may even be limited by crowding in places.
It depends on the size of your small chainring.
nope. From the sounds of it you lack any sort of fortitude or tenacity and are way too dependent on technology.
Oh yeah, you really burned me on that one. Zing! Thanks for the post.
Dude, do not humilate Chicago in that fashion. Get a can of your favorite brew, a cane pole and a little fishing line. Duct tape it to your helmet so that it dangles in front of you on the climb. Then go for the brew like your life depends on it. Make it fast so you don’t have to drink it warm at the top. Good luck. Now that you outted yourself as a Chicagoan, you’d better represent!
I will do all I can, sir, in this city’s good (well, not so much right now) name. And your plan sounds like an excellent one. Actually, I will be going to a beer garden at the top. Should help with the motivation.
not trying to “burn” anyone. Just stating a fact. Who cares what gear you ride it in? Just ride it. If you’re concerned of what gear you may need then you should know what gear you don’t need.
Wow! Gearing is now high tech? Damn. And to think I was almost going to use an actual bike computer, those fancy pedals that don’t have straps, and some space age clothing that helps keep sweat off your skin. I need to learn to go old school.
hahaha bunch fo tough guys and heros responding to this one huh…haha damn. i have an 11-23 on my road set up and while i wish i had something a lil bigger i climb some steep ass stuff in malibu and able to get by fine. the climbs i do are(dare i say) steeper, but not 11 miles long(palomars distance) but all in all i would imagine you will be working hard but not so hard that you wont be enjoying yourself.
have fun
you’re missing the point.
You know your scientific data, but you don’t know what gear you should ride.
Are you riding the Palomar challenge on the 8th?
FWIW, regardless of everyone on here saying that is doesn’t matter what gearing you have…I think a 39x23 smallest gear will be biting you in the ass the last 2 miles of the climb. You’ll be up and out of the saddle a lot. It’s a long climb and gets steeper near the top. I’ve ridden it with a 12-25 and 12-26 cassette and I’m glad I had the extra gearing. I’m not a strong cyclist and have no idea what my FTP is, but I typically ride between 2:35-2:45 for HIM (Oceanside, VIneman) if that provides any sort of reference.
edit - just caught that you’re riding it this Sunday. Enjoy the race and have fun on the climb.
Explain then. How am I supposed to know what gear to ride when I’ve never done the climb? Plus, as I mentioned in my original post, I am not a very experienced climber (I live in Chicago). I know my FTP because I take a group cycling class here in the winter that happens to be done on computrainers. I don’t have my own computrainer nor do I have a power meter.
Man…I have no idea why I am explaining myself to a such a douche bag, but somehow I felt compelled.
When I first got into biking, my bike had a 12-18 straight block. I’d chug along up hills in my 17 or 18, probably less than 60 rpm, but I’d often catch people near the top, and zip right by them.
Now I’m no Jan Ulrich, but it built up power in my legs.
Upon climbing Palomar, I think you’ll immediately know what you’re in for.
My guess is you’ll be fine, maybe wishing you had a 25 or 27, but more “power” to you!
well it’s quite simple. You obviously know the allure of Palomar. You are aware of its difficulty. You know you are an inexperienced climber. You know you have never ridden the climb. So why then do you ask what fucking gear to ride? It should be pretty obvious. And if it isn’t obvious, just ride the 23!
You know so much(data) but yet you know so very little(application)
Is that too difficult to understand? I am sorry you feel I am a douche bag, but you seem to already know your limiters. Just ride the climb in whatever you gear you have and enjoy the journey.
Better dress well too! There was quite a snow cover up there last weekend!