Originally Posted by tomfer

Thanks for IGH comments! Fascinating technology and I enjoyed catching up. But the added weight is a big negative. Interestingly, despite all my lap swimming for the last several years (this might be of interest to younger people), I don't feel the upper body strength is what it once was. Hence, tossing around a really light bike is a big kick - even before I jump on it.

Thanks for additional great input and I think we're zeroing in here. Let's forget the 11-36 cassette. On main frame computers, they used to call that "being at the bleeding edge" and tried to stay back a bit. I guess it's the same with bike technology. Also, I am not wedded to the 10 speed chain and cassette technology, so we can back off that too.

I'm thinking my karma is a triple, - possibly running off just the two smaller chainrings. I liked the suggestion of the compact double, but it appears the smallest ring gear is 26. And as long as I'm not doing a single, - and appreciate the comments in favor of a more conventional cassette, - perhaps an 8-speed with a 34, - then I'd like to go to a triple up front with a 24 or even a 22.

This is a very efficient way of getting a lot of high quality input. Thanks. If anyone is in the mood to make specific recommendations, I'm all ears. My profile on buying components is that I am not interested in bling, but I do love (1) light weight and (2) holding and working with a beautifully engineered piece of work, - whether it's a heat-treated bolt, - a lot more, - mass manufactured or what.

Tom