I'm 50 years old. I am a recreational rider, approx 1100 - 1500 per year. I can ride solo at about 16 - 17 mph on 35 - 60 mile rides on pretty flat terrain. I have a 2007 Lemond Carbon Zurich with a 53- 39 crank and a 10 sp 11 -23 cassette. I suck at hills. I'm 160 lbs. I think I should be better. Then recently I have come to understand gearing better.

I wonder is a 11 - 23 too much for me? Is it a racing config? I almost never use the 11 and sometimes I would like one or two lower gears when I'm slogging up a "hill". No mountains. Thought about a compact, but would going to a Shimano 12 - 25, or even 12 - 28 be a good idea?

Love BF, even Pcad with his bug up is arse.