How much of a hindrance would a 6% grade of a 3.5 miles ascend be?

Question

My ride is a Cannondale Synapse Feminine Carbon 3, with Shimano Ultegra SL Compact, 34/50 crank and a Shimano Ultegra 12-27 rear cog. On my daily 23 miles commute, I can cruise at around 17 to 21 mph, on a flat terrain. During an all-out sprint, I clocked at 28 mph.

My partner & I are moving to a new house, which is located on a peak, along with a 6% grade of 3.5 miles. While the total commute will increase to about 13 miles each way. I am concern with the last stage of 6% grade of 3.5 miles on the horizon for me after work.

Answer 1

That would be a fairly challenging climb, but based on the info you supplied, you should have no problem.  I have a route that I ride fairly regularly and about an hour into the ride, there's a 5 mile climb that averages about 7%. From bottom to top takes about half an hour.  I also have ridden up Whiteface Mountain in upstate NY. That's about an 8-10%  grade for about 8 miles. That takes a little over an hour.

(the upside is that you get to ride down it on your commute in!)

Answer 2

At first this will probably be quite challenging, but if you are used to doing 23 miles a day then it shouldn't take you very long to get used to it. But it will also improve your conditioning, with just your normal daily commute. After awhile it will become just a normal ride, and you'll wonder what you were worried about.

Answer 3

Hi Kate

Expect your cruising power to get you up a 6% grade at about 8-9 Mph. You should manage this comfortably in first gear with a cadence of 90 rpm.

You and I and Yin all know, you are going to start power climbing though.

P.s Climbing hills can be as satisfying and addictive as riding fast. Perhaps climbing hills could replace chasing good sorts in sports cars as the new obsession