This is a clear demonstration that road bike gearing is still in the dark ages.
What’s the average cyclists w/kg at FTP. 2.5 - 3.5 w/kg?
So, in Z2 endurance we’re talking 1.5 - 2.5 w/kg? That’s not a lot of w/kg for climbing. Assuming the rider has the usual 36-32 combo. That’s a terrible cadence to endure on steep climbs purely because the equipment is really built for far stronger riders.
Maybe 20 years from now gearing on road bikes will actually suit the intended market.
Where I live, a lot of the climbs are well over 10%. Heavier riders would need MTB gearing to maintain optimal cadence here.
I actually began my zone 2 riding on my MTB for that reason. Obviously, this is not such an issue if you’re closer to 5w/kg or live in a flat area.
The solution isn’t to just grind an annoying low cadence, this isn’t the 1980s. Get the gearing you need to maintain your preferred cadence. If that means you need a dinner plate on the back. So be it. You’ll enjoy your Z2 rides far more if you’re not terrain limited.
We’re going to Mars, lower gearing on a bicycle shouldn’t be an issue…