Rick Onanian wrote:
Mark is right. But, OTOH, going faster downhill is more fun than
going faster uphill -- so, for those of us just trying to have fun,
the optimized top end could provide more.
Personally, I just want to push both ends to further extremes...

hmmmm .. the fastest i ever remember descending was in white bird, idaho
at around 62mph. my gearing had little to do with it, tho since i hadn't
pedaled for all but the very beginning of the descent.

actually .. i normally recover on the descent and put most of my energy
into the ascent. that's the new me, tho. i shaved a lot of time off the
cycle by skipping the 15 minute recovery period/victory dance/brake check/
food & water break at the summit.

actually that's a lie i still do that.

i love that.

i optimize the low end. for normal use that's a 38/28, for touring that's
a 24/28. my top end is a 48/13. i guess i wouldn't mind a 12, tho. thanks
campag.
--
david reuteler