Originally Posted by CliftonGK1

Go with a larger ring rather than a smaller cog. Running a small drivetrain leads to faster wear and tear on the components. Keep the 16 in back and go with a 44 or 45t up front and it's just about a half gear inch on either side of a 39/14 combo.

Originally Posted by goalieMN

I have a Surly Cross Check built up as a SS, but my commute has about 50 feet of elevation change in 10 miles, since I have a trail from my backyard to the hospital, and it used to be a rail line.