Selecting a gear ratio involves analyzing the trade off between climbing ability and top end speed based on the local terrain. For those riding in undulating environments, a compromise ratio can leave a rider feeling under geared on descents and over geared on climbs. This creates a technical dilemma where the chosen ratio might not align with the ideal cadence for any specific section of the ride.
One approach to mitigate this is adjusting the ratio seasonally if the available terrain varies, such as switching to a larger rear cog for winter rides in steeper areas. This shift aims to keep the rider closer to a consistent cadence range across different slope gradients throughout the year.
How do you determine the specific ratio balance for your primary riding terrain to avoid excessive cadence gaps?