Originally Posted by 5john
But moxfyre, I had a question: Wouldn't a MTB with road tires be geared pretty forgivingly for Ithaca hills? I've been riding a touring bicycle for the last few years, and it has MTB gearing, at least in the back. I've got some lingering knee issues from a fall in 2003, which is why I was leaning toward a MTB for general use. I'm curious to know how a touring bike worked better for you.
You're right, sorry if my post was confusing! I was saying that mine is suboptimal because it had knobby tires and because I find that drop bars give me better hand positions for climbing.
I would probably want MTB gearing on a road bike for use in Ithaca. Especially that 22 tooth chainring
Your touring bike sounds like the right approach, perhaps switch to 22/32/44 chainrings? In any case, I wouldn't give up the geometry, drop bars, and lighter weight of a road bike in order to get MTB gearing!