10 speed cassette/rear mech compatability

[BobCatMax]

I'm comfortable enough in my own skin to admit to being a big girls blouse....

 

[elPedro666]

Depends on how long it's 14% for! In the Peaks I generally cope with 39/28, until it gets nearer 25-30% and I'm a fat git, so you might find you're worrying more than necessary

 

[mattr]

Can't be that long at 14%, BobCatMax is in the southeast. Not many alpine passes round there!

 

[BobCatMax]

well you all definitely have better legs than I..

the hill i'm worried about (which i've done before twice, but both times walked in places) is this one...

Bignor Hill...I lied - it's 9% ave. for just over a mile, but as you can see bits of it are nearly 20%

 

[elPedro666]

Twenty is getting steep, won't argue with you there!

 

[elPedro666]

I was just checking out that cool graphic again, and really there's only the section 0.15-0.4 that's going to trouble you. That's quarter of a mile total, less than 400 metres out of the whole day's riding.

I think you're gonna be just fine - save your cash for a sugary snack a couple of miles before you hit it. Or a beer, that often works well for short bursts...

 

[BobCatMax]

i know, i know...

I'll just have to try and man up a bit more

 

[mattr]

Just going to have to decide which loses you more man points, using an MTB cassette/chainring, or walking for a couple of hundred metres.
(after manfully attempting to ride of course!)

 

[elPedro666]

Only a few folks will see your brief stroll (disguised as a pee stop if you're cunning!), EVERYONE will see your 36 tooth monstercassette...

 

[BobCatMax]

all very salient points, well made.

this is the ride in question...there are one or two more hills that I haven't done of an equally nasty temperament...

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3927163