Di Luca did yesterday's Giro mountain stage with a 34/29 gear ratio. The last climb was 6.3 miles and averaged 11.9% grade, with the max grade being 20+%. According to MTBs link, that gear would be nearly identical to my triple 30/25.
Whats my point, you may be asking? I don't think its possible to hang on a serious climb with a comparable rider if you are on standard double and he has either a compact with a huge rear cog or has a triple.
Is there a serious flaw in my argument that I am missing?
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