Changing down gear

[Valiant]

So now that I'm cycling more and more, I was thinking that maybe 72" is a bit much, I mean it's not too bad but if I geared down it would be easier and better for fitness too? Whereas the bigger gear is better for strength?

Sorry about the silly question which I should really know the answer too but after all the time off the bike I feel like a newb.

[Zoidburg]

It's flat where you live you big girl!

 

[Riggers]

Ah, wise words indeed Zoiders.

[teethgrinder]

So now that I'm cycling more and more, I was thinking that maybe 72" is a bit much,

Gear down a bit then. Whatever you do, it's all good stuff. Getting tired legs and the knock, miles away from home is much worse if you're in a gear that is a struggle to turn than if you're in a low gear. Spinny gears are good for speed and fitness, but not so good for strength.
Do what you feel like, it's all good stuff.

[woollypigs]

I would say drop down to 69-70" and take it easy, give it a few more weeks before you try to beat your 19 miles record.

[border-rider]

+1

72 is a gear I ride in the summer, when I'm fit

For tiddling round town in the winter, I use 63-65

[rogerzilla]

I use about 70" all year round.  The only time it seems too high is with a vicious headwind.  It was even OK at 50rpm in the snow.

[LEE]

+1

72 is a gear I ride in the summer, when I'm fit

For tiddling round town in the winter, I use 63-65

But you do live in a country built on a 45deg slope

[border-rider]

well yes, but I was meaning when I lived in West Berks and commuted to Newbury.  I don't really tiddle about here.  It's impossible, for the reason you note 

[Zoidburg]

Ah, wise words indeed Zoiders.

You can't go easy on these southern types.

If you aren't firm with them they would spend all day flouncing around like a french duke, lounging about on a bean bag while drinking frothy coffee and idly flicking through the Rapha catalogue.

[mrcharly-YHT]

I would say that 64" is better for town.

At reasonable 100rpm that gives you about 20mph.

Town riding is all stop-start. Big gears are silly for that.

[vistaed]

It's amazing how much difference just 4" can make. Trying to push a big gear when you bonk is just horrible!

[Zoidburg]

It's amazing how much difference just 4" can make. Trying to push a big gear when you bonk is just horrible!

Terribly sorry old chap but the just has to be the smutty post of the day.

*Snigger*

[vistaed]

It's amazing how much difference just 4" can make. Trying to push a big gear when you bonk is just horrible!

Terribly sorry old chap but the just has to be the smutty post of the day.

*Snigger*