JT - i disagree...i'm in 50x11 for pretty much anything over 30 mph. that happens a lot on pretty normal hills and i wouldn't consider it "bombing down hills," although i suppose others might not agree. i think i'd feel like i was spinning out too easily with only 50x12 as my highest gear.

never been up anything i couldn't handle with 34x25, but then again, i don't live in the mountains.