I agree with nearly everyone else on the shifting performance based on cog range. I have to ride up a steep hill to get home from rides. My bike is nearly all original. I did swap out the rear 6spd for a 7sp with 14(?)-28. I also use a SRAM 8spd chain, 870 I think. The only time I use the 28 is to climb the hill. All my equip. is SR so the small ring is 42 and the RD works fine with the 28. I tried 30 but it was too risky with the possibility of using it with the 52 ring. (Yes I use to cross chain accidentially!). Being over 50, I am not out for racing but appreciate what is under me and its "character".