Do I need a new cog set?

I'm new to mountain biking and I'm okay at it except for steep climbs.
Aside from developing the proper cadence and optimum climbing body position
with practice, I can't help but think that a 32 or 34 tooth rear cog would
help over my 28 tooth granny gear. I find myself straining to keep the
cranks spinning steadily (my guess is in the 60 to 70 rpm range depending on
the hill) and then I bail or blow up. Will getting a larger cog help or
should I keep my old 28 and concentrate on the developing the legs, skills,
and fitness?




-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
-----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----

"Jim Edgar" wrote in message
...
Allan at wrote on 8/24/03 8:48 PM:

I'm new to mountain biking and I'm okay at it except for steep climbs.
Aside from developing the proper cadence and optimum climbing body
position
with practice, I can't help but think that a 32 or 34 tooth rear cog
would
help over my 28 tooth granny gear.

If you run a 12-32 or 12-34, the worst thing that happens is that you
don't
use your small chainring up front too often. Go for it.

Your knees will thank you, too.

He MIGHT need a new rear derailleur to handle that 34 in the back; that
seems to be the case with the Shimano "Megaranges".

Sounds like a good idea. It can't really hurt, and if Allan masters this
set of hills and doesn't need the 34 any more, there are always steeper
hills somewhere else.