My 700c tourer has 44/32/22 with 11-34 cassette. That gives me a 17 gear inch low. I used it once while riding the Southern Tier but I was glad I had it. My 26" wheeled tourer has 48/36/24 and it is the same gear inch low as the 700c. I live in the PNW and use the low gears a fair amount. But it depends where you live and where you are going, along with fitness. I would rather have the lower gearing than higher gearing any time.