Old timer at the Tim Hortons lineup told me I was overthinking my gear ratios

He said he's been riding the same beat up 10-speed since the 80s and just pedals harder up hills, and now I can't stop wondering if I wasted $200 on that cassette swap last month, anyone else ever get told something simple that stuck with you?

2 comments

2 Comments

roberts.troy3d ago

Tbh that old timer's comment hits hard because I did the exact same thing with my mountain bike last year. I spent like $150 on a new cassette and chain to get lower climbing gears, then my buddy who's been riding since the 90s just laughed and said "just stand up and mash harder." Honestly, I tried it his way for a week and yeah, it's not as smooth but it works fine. Now I feel kinda dumb every time I look at my wallet, but at least my bike sounds nice shifting. Ngl, sometimes the simple advice is the best advice even if it hurts your pride a little.

thomas.piper2d ago

Gotta disagree a little though... standing and mashing works in a pinch but it's way harder on your knees and lower back over time. I swapped to a smaller chainring on my hardtail last year and honestly my old joints thank me after long climbs. Nothing wrong with spending money to ride in the sweet spot that keeps you on the trail longer.