Gearing for Mallorca?

neeb

Going to Mallorca in 2 or 3 weeks time and am wondering what gears to take. I have a standard 53/39, normally manage fine with 12-25 on rolling terrain (very rarely use the 25 sprocket). I have a 12-27 I use on the indoor tacx trainer when I'm doing simulated long climbs, e.g. sustained average gradients of 8 or 9% for 30 minutes or more, when I do need the extra gear (this assumes the trainer is accurate of course...) I know some of the bigger Mallorca climbs have some pretty steep sections, but I think they are quite short? It would be good if I could manage with the 12-25 as I miss the 18 sprocket on the 12-27, but is this asking for trouble?

mallorcajeff

no idea about gears but if the weather is like it is today bring a bit of wet weather gear! horrible today. I climb the mountains most weekends and did yesterday very steep in some areas but great fun. Im fat and have a standard set up on my wilier and manage ok. sorry cant be of much help on gears but if you need anything else or routes i can point you in the direction of some good roads.

neeb

Thanks Jeff, hope the weather is better when I get there... I get the impression from the forecasts that at this time of year you get a few rainy days but usually not continuous rain for days on end, is that right? Perfect for me would be if there is one rainy day half way through the week, then I can have a day off visiting the sights in Palma or whatever..

Mark Alexander

I rode 53 39 and 12-25 with no probs. Pollensa to Luc is 11 miles and that's ok.39x25 is enough for any of it.

Mark Alexander

I rode 53 39 and 12-25 with no probs. Pollensa to Luc is 11 miles and that's ok.39x25 is enough for any of it.

neeb

Thanks. I think I'll fit the 12-25 and take the 12-27 just in case.

morrisje

I've just spent a week in Mallorca. First day back at work today.
I hired a bike while there with a compact. I found that more than adequate, in fact I never went in the easiest couple of gears.
The mountains aren't that tough and are all managable with 39*25 or 27.
The Luic is about 5% with flat bits to take the strain off your legs.

Pokerface

It depends where you ride. Certainly there are some steep sections as you say but they are short.

I used an 11-27 myself but that's just what's fitted to my bike. There were some places (off the beaten track) where I was glad to have that gearing. If you're sticking to the main roads, you'll get by with 12-25.


P.S. Best. Cycling. Ever.

mallorcajeff

Sa Colabra is a great road 100 tight corners but hard to come back up! Have a look at this

http://www.travelblog.org/Photos/946273

neeb

Yeah, Sa Colabra and Puig Major are definitely on my list!

The profile for Puig Major looks like it has some pretty steep sections near the top. But if they are short, I guess higher gears will just be... motivational...

P.S. Best. Cycling. Ever.

That's what I've heard... can't wait!