Since I use a triple (30 or 32 tooth granny) on almost all of my bikes, I get by with just a 32 or 34 big gear in the back. I generally run a 6 or 7 speed Suntour Ultra.
I do have a Continental that has not seen any road time in the past two years, which has a 46-42 chainring and I have a Suntour 5 speed Perfect waiting for it with a a spare Duopar that has a 34 or 36 tooth gear.