Anybody have any tips/thoughts about the IM Germany (Frankfurt not Roth) bike course. The elevation profile looks like it is a pretty flat course with a couple of short, not so steep climbs. But I don’t trust those profiles!
What kind of gearing is recommended? All my IM rides to date have been in the 5:15-5:30 range. I was planning on riding my usual 53/39 up front and 11/23 or 12/23 on the back. Any reason to use 12/25 on back? Or conversely, would it be better to run an 11/21?
Keith
Hi Keith,
You are right, the bike course in Frankfurt is flat with a few short hills, the longest one was about 3/4 of a mile if I remember correctly and that is fairly near the start of the loop. There is no reason why you would need a 12/25 for that course, I would stick with an 11 or 12/23. I used a 12/23 last year and that was easily enough, and by the sounds of it you are a better cyclist than me.
You will have a great day in Frankfurt, the atmosphere on the bike course is awesome!!!
Good Luck
Tommo
There are three or four noteworthy climbs on each loop that will keep you honest and 3/4 through each loop there is a section that is a gentle incline that comes after a climb and is usually into the wind… can be sapping. A 12-23 or 11-23 will be fine if you are a strong cyclist. Good course and fast too. Only complaint when I did it was that they put aid stations at the foot of hills! The final hill on the loop- which comes after a healthy descent and sharp right turn has an amazing crowd on it… TDF style riding with the bells going and people cheering.
The run is good too- but the bridge swaying and bouncing up and down was quite nauseating!
Weeman
Thanks Tommo and Weeman. Seems to be about what I’m expecting it to be and I am looking forward to the crowds on the bike/run…as well as the world’s best post-race beer and brats!
Keith