Originally Posted by John Nelson

I agree that there's no one right answer, and everything is a compromise, so the right answer for you isn't even the right answer all the time.

48/36/26 mated with 11-34 would be perfect for me. Anything lower than 26x34 and I'd probably fall over. But some people who are real spinners might like a 22x34 better. And sure, sometimes I'll spin out on good downhills in 48x11, but then I'll just enjoy the ride.

You not only compromise on highest and lowest gear, but also on shifting smoothness and the ability make small changes.