What if you can't spin?

i wouldn't mind coming out for a play on the hills one day :)

Always happy to head for the hills...

dogsballs, at the moment this 48x17 is really good, and I can go up gentle inclines without standing, but I think that if I have to head up Pentonville Road, I'd probably walk up.......til I've lost some weight, and increased my leg strength. But its flat speed I'm after. Anyway, hills are for mountain goats http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/cgi-bin/pod/PhotoOfTheDay.cgi?day=21&month=4&year=05

I think 48x17 sounds pretty healthy really, for a masher (no judgement in that label).

I'd stick with it rather than going higher, and focus on good pedalling form - make sure you're lifting/unweighting on the upstroke, and try to get a bit of power through the stroke early (from about 11 o' clock and then over the top of the deadspot).

You can get an extra mph or two, without any perceived increase in effort, or physiological distress.

Whatever you want from cycling if you are going to improve on the status quo you have to push yourself. by riding hard again and again to improve your anearobic/aerobic function.
What your proposing is an excuse not to train harder.

Whatever you want from cycling if you are going to improve on the status quo you have to push yourself. by riding hard again and again to improve your anearobic/aerobic function.
What your proposing is an excuse not to train harder.

You can 'train' technique/form though, if you're not overly keen on the uncomfortable aspects of enhancing performance.

Let's not get too sadistic, MrSmith.

rock til you drop

"if I had to head up pentonville rd,I'd walk up"

Why not just leave the bike at home and get the bus!

MrSmith, years ago, I used to design health and fitness regimes for the lardy, when I worked at a health club of a swanky hotel. What you say is true though, but because I was very very much a sporting person, I also know limits and when not to overdo them. Starting slowly is not an excuse MrSmith, unless you think people should start hard and fast then continously up the ante?

In the future, I will be a lot fitter, but its because I paced myself. Call it what you will. I'll do it like Frank Sinatra.

52:18

fast enough. slow off the lights though. elephant and castle can be scary.

would like to drop down. big cog innit. 50 x? advice?

(52x18 puts me mid 70s i think)

i'm no fitness expert, it's just that from experience if you sit in your comfort zone nothing really changes. plus i was trying to get as many status quo songs in my post as possible.

Dear overdrive,

Did you ever hear about the guy, who when told to dress up for the office party, turned up in a giant chicken outfit, then found out it was to be a formal dinner at The Savoy?

He too didn't pay any attention to what went before, so he ended up looking a right muppet with his entrance.

Somebody already suggested that I get a moped.

This thread is about changing to a bigger gear for a guy with asthma, who has strong thighs, but weak lungs - therefore cannot spin.

MrSmith, again you are right. My comfort zone was the bus, so I have moved away from that. When I'm much fitter, I'll do the Dunwich, and the Brighton runs; but those will take a while.

Oi Grandarse it's not that you cant spin it's more that you cant ride.

Overdrive, you're probably right. I can't ride.

It sure will be interesting to meet you.

You too fella!maybe I'm being harsh(sorry)but 14 years working on the roads does that to a man.
I owe you a drink.

OD's just as fluffy and sweet in real life, with a phone manner to die for!

Oi Grandarse it's not that you cant spin it's more that you cant ride.

39:16 is best, spinny spinny.

I'd suggest changing Down Down one cog at a time until you find the Parfitt ratio. Just Supposin' you have something in your Spare Parts box, it's Never Too Late to practice Back To Back in Heavy Traffic till you find the Perfect Remedy. Don't Stop, though it will be Thirsty Work.

Villa-ru, you should have your own TV show.

52:18

fast enough. slow off the lights though. elephant and castle can be scary.

would like to drop down. big cog innit. 50 x? advice?

(52x18 puts me mid 70s i think)

50*14 obviously

ummmmm......anyone can spin. you are just running the wrong gear!

Pray for some new lungs and I shall provide my Son.

Are you just ignoring post number 52, GA2G? I was interested to hear what you thought about the compromise suggestion...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMwdAc1Dzfg