11-23?
12-27 w/ a standard crank.
I used a 12-27. Didn’t “need” it but was happy to have it - especially on the second loop.
I have run a 50/34 up front with a 12-25 in back the past 2 years at IMWI. (An 11 would be better, but I’m rarely spun out.) It sounds low, but I’m able to spin up climbs and really save the legs for the run, and my TT bike doesn’t climb like my road bike. I’m currently training on std. gearing 53/39 w/ 11-28, which is plenty of gear for the IM course, and I think I’ll race an 11-26 cassette with std gearing or my old set-up. I think it depends on your riding style - mash or spin. For training around Madison a 25 is generally enough for me on a road bike, but a 27/28 or a compact set-up for IM is a good idea.
12-27 with compact cranks for me. Probably slightly above average biker and runner (sub 5:30 bike and sub 4:00 run). Certainly never needed anything more.
I ran a 12-26 on a standard 53/39. The 26T was useful on some of the steepies on the first loop. I typically ride a 12-23. 5:43 bike, for an 11:08 finish.
Assuming 700c and 53x39. 12-25 is just about perfect if you plan to ride around 5 to 5:10. If you are not planning on a top 25 bike split then you will probably want more cassette.
If you are a 5:10 type, how many times do you find yourself in the 39/25?
Often enough that I would not consider it a bail out gear. Any of the major steep climbs. For sure on old sauk and timber lane along with many of the short steeps.
12-27 w/ a standard crank.
X2. While not the toughest hills in the area, it is nice to have that 27 to fall back on if you are not an Uberbiker or want to keep the effort in check.
Exactly, you don’t need it by any means, but if part of your game plan is checking yourself on the bike, then riding the granny on the steep stuff is a good way to force yourself to conserve your legs a bit.
53/39, 12/25 Perfect
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Are you kidding me?
I live on the course and ride it a lot. Last year I ran a 50/34 up front with a 12/25 cassette. I think it was a bit too light on gearing. While it was great on the second loop, it just didn’t have enough top end. I am going to test out a 53/39 wiht a 11/28 cassette. It should work good for me on the course.
What 11/28 are you planning to use? Is that a new D/A or Ultegra? I’d be interested to hear how that works with 6600 Ultegra or 7800 DA equipment.
Sram is making a 11/28 in a Force level. I am running Sram Red drivetrain but I don’t want to spring for the Red cassette.
The Dura-Ace 7900 cassette and SRAM Red cassette are available in 11-28.
They are not compatible with Ultegra 6600 or Dura-Ace 7800.
12-25 or 12-27 should do it.
Some other free advice…If you “need” to stand on the first lap (ever)…IMO you are going to have a long day. The second lap is a different story.
Gotta love campy. All the cogs are separate, so when i want a granny gear i just unpack my cassette, and rearrange the cogs to my liking (Miche makes cheap campy compatible cogs). Good time to clean it thoroughly too, and way cheaper than a second cassette.
Hello,
I had the fastest bike split at IMWI last season (ahem, crushing dreams en route). I think that it was the 5th or 7th fastest bike split ever on that course.
Steed of choice was the Specialized Transition (my profile pic here is from the race)
Wheels: HED Jet 6 front wheel Jet 90 Rear 700c Wheels: For all the corner HED ‘C2’ rims are a definite plus as they corner remarkably faster.
Gearing: 39x53 and 11x26 SRAM cassette. Average cadence was 86 ave, max 160. All the corners pulled the cadence down a little. If you are into coasting and resting on the downhills there are relitivly few steep ones, and you won’t loose too much time. I spin at least 80rpm climbing and the 26 was absolutly used 2x a lap to keep from going too hard. You could get up hills with a smaller gear but you’ll pay the price later.
Good luck out there guys - go Crush some Dreams
Nat