Anyone have suggestions for gearing? wondering if a 23 is too small for this ride and don't want to have to buy a new cassete for 1X event. Thanks.

Anyone have suggestions for gearing? wondering if a 23 is too small for this ride and don't want to have to buy a new cassete for 1X event. Thanks.
The route will determine the gears. I run a 39/25 as my lowest gear on the road bike and it seems fine for 90% of the hills I run into. For the 10% I either grind or walk or go around depending on my mood.

The route will determine the gears. I run a 39/25 as my lowest gear on the road bike and it seems fine for 90% of the hills I run into. For the 10% I either grind or walk or go around depending on my mood.

http://www.horriblyhilly.com/

but they say registration is full for this year

http://www.horriblyhilly.com/

but they say registration is full for this year

In their course description they recommend a 27tooth rear cog as a minimum. Having road that region on a motorcycle they may be right. If you're light and strong you just might be able to hang in there with your 23, but I'd wager a 25+ is the bare minimum with a small chainring of 39 on the front.

I would think you'd want at least a 25 or you may be walking by the end of the day. I've ridden about 90% of the course this spring, and several of the hills I was in a 39-27 pushing 275+ Watts at a 30 cadence wishing I had a triple. I can't imagine having a 23 except with a compact crank. I'm doing the 200k with the above as my lowest gearing. Enjoy the sufferefest those who got in!

B