Great observations Paul. Thanks for sharing. Especially about gear selection. I
am still working on that one. when my cadence gets to high and my lungs can't
keep up, I either stay in that gear or change up. Which ever feels right in the
moment. For short hills I push hard into the seat and power over the crest.
I agree with you on how long it takes to develop technique and muscles. I am in
my third year of riding a recumbent. It is my best so far in Time Trial and I am
sure I will get better.

I half believed the comment/opinion about flexing BBs. I always thought they
were rock solid, so will be keen to see what comes out of your testing.

--- In BaronOwners@yahoogroups.com, "PaulW" <wordy@...> wrote:
>
> I'm surprised at the figure quoted of 'more than 10mm flex' in a DF.
> Unfortunately (or fortunately!) I sold my Orbea Onix DF so I can't test
> it but I will be asking some locals here to stand on a pedal and see how
> much their frame twists.
>
> I find that I can climb 'nearly' (mirroring Brads experience) as fast as
> the best DF climbers in our age group* on both the Raptor and my P-38.
> It's taken me several years to develop the technique and muscles and I
> think I'm working harder than the DFs, but I can't prove that. It
> requires good circular power input and a careful watch on the HRM and
> the road gradient. I know that as soon as the road levels to below 8%
> gradient as it nears the top of the hill, it's time to change up and
> accelerate to catch and sometimes pass the DFs. Yes...Oddly, I find
> changing up easier to do than trying to spin - I have strength but lack
> oxygen.
>