Were I ride, I'd call it mostly flat, with a few rolling hills. I did ride the route of 20 miles a few times in the 50t ring, shifting only the back. Although I do have a 11 x 32 rear cassette, and used all selections. However, as mentioned earlier, it's easier on the knees to spin faster, and I was told my cadence is too low, so I've been dropping down on the front a lot more. On my trail bike, I only have 1 ring at the front. Deraileur was removed. The trail is flat.
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BierHaus Bertolette Road Bike, built 2007
BierHaus SRT Trail Bike, built 2010
Fuji Mt. Pro - 2007