Road Cycling - Cassette gear ratio question

I am about to build a road bike to train on. I wanted to hear from other road riders what cassette gear ratios they prefer for pretty much flat terrain. I know Cleveland is especially flat so I am looking for a good gear ratio, something not too hard and not too easy but something right in the middle..any one have any suggestions? Some one suggested a 12-21 cassette awhile back...

Thanks!

a 12/23 or 25 is more in the middle.The 12-23 also gives the magical 16 tooth cog,assuming we are talking shimano here.Who else knows how strong you are and what your fitness level is.Beware if someone recommends a 55x11.

If it is fairly flat a 12-21 should be fine if you are in descent shape. I run that on my bike and unless I am going to be doing something that has some real prolonged hills (>6%). If there is a lot of climbing that I will be doing I switch over to a 12-25.

I really prefer having a corncob on for anything flat.

It is good to have two different cassettes anyways, so buy one and if it is not great, pick up the other one.

Another vote for 12-23. That'll give a fairly all purpose range for flattish terrain, without being impossible if you take the bike somewhere that there are hills. You rarely hear people complain that their gears are too low. OTOH, it's not uncommon to hear them complain they are too high. Better to err on the low side.

Originally posted by pokey
.....also gives the magical 16 tooth cog,assuming we are talking shimano here.....

So, I'm not alone in wanting, using, missing, rebuilding a cassette to get a 16 cog???

Just for training on flat roads the 12-21 is just fine.

12-21 is good for flats for sure.
A 12-20 (9spd) will give you "one tooth jumps" which will let you keep your rpm closer to the rate you want, ALL the way through the "block". ( Yeah, I know I'm bein "picky" again)
If your are "strong" at all - no problems!!!

Ah so, 16 VERY GOOD

Ride Hard
Pat

Originally posted by pat5319
12-21 is good for flats for sure.
A 12-20 (9spd) will give you "one tooth jumps" A 12-20?????????????? And who makes such a thing? I don't see it listed for shimano or campy.

and even if you could get a 12-20, the ratio percentage between gears is not proportionate.

Thanks for all the suggestions..Looks like I am going to go with the 12-23 to get that magic "16".

Sweet 16.....