TOMRV prep on Rocket?

OK, I'm planning to do TOMRV in a month or so.

Question for those that may have done it, or live out that way, and are familiar with the Rocket.

I know it's supposed to be hilly, but will I survive OK with the stock rings/cluster on my '02
rocket? I've got a pretty good mileage base, and I'm in good shape otherwise, something of a
spinner. I can handle long and not too steep. I just don't want to run out of gears.

Sj

 

Seth Jayson wrote:
>
> OK, I'm planning to do TOMRV in a month or so.
>
> Question for those that may have done it, or live out that way, and are familiar with the Rocket.
>
> I know it's supposed to be hilly, but will I survive OK with the stock rings/cluster on my '02
> rocket? I've got a pretty good mileage base, and I'm in good shape otherwise, something of a
> spinner. I can handle long and not too steep. I just don't want to run out of gears.

Seth,

Many of the lower volume roads that lead out of the river valley/floodplain up the bluffs have
grades that may exceed 15%. Elevation gain on quite a few of these climbs may exceed 100 feet. As a
minimum, I suggest a lowest gear that you can maintain a comfortable cadence in while climbing at
5-mph. The stock Rocket gearing will be too high for most riders.

Tom Sherman - Various HPV's Quad Cities USA (Illinois side)

 

I suggest a lowest gear that you can maintain a comfortable
> cadence in while climbing at 5-mph. The stock Rocket gearing will be too high for most riders.

Well, maybe it's time to shop for a used 105 crankset, then. Better to have more gears left than run
out on the low end. And I don't feel the need to spin that 62 on downhills. Or maybe just order a
smaller bottom chainring for now?

Guess I might as well pull that cheesey stock bottom bracket out while I'm down there too...