[python] Gearing for high speed and minimum speed going uphill.

Hello All,
Hope you enjoyed nice Python rides during the summer !

Some feedback about  Python 2.

front  chainring 39 & 53 teeth
back 9 speeds 11 to 32 teeth
20" wheels
arms 170mm

Going downhill :
I'm using a 53 teeth only, (as I have a 61 teeth chain ring on a shelf, but I don't use it on purpose) to limit my maximum speed, which, for now, is about 53 km/h at 120 rev/mn. (not continuous, flashes only) Howewer, putting on the 61 teeth would allow me to keep pedaling on at upper speed downhill . The trick being not to be caught offguard when coasting downhill by a puff of wind. Which I definitely fear the most. Slight pressure on aft brake coupled with slight pressure on pedals give a valuable extra amount of stability to face whirlwinds, or the sight of sudden potential unexpected hazards. It allows much better control of leaning in turn too. 

Going uphill :
The minimum speed I can sustain is 7km/h at 65 rev/mn about. And I must sustain this speed whatever the slope of the road is, to keep the python rolling straight. Keep pedaling or unclip the pedals, no choice !
What is your minimum speed going uphill, and could shorter pedals allow a decrease of speed ? 

Python at Col de la Bonette 2802m, (from Saint Etienne de Tinée).

JPEG image

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