Originally Posted by
anixi
As an old greybeard myself, I wouldn't consider it wimping out at all. I believe you should consider a 28t freewheel in back, and if possible a lower than 42t in front, if it will fit. It seems to me that you should be able to find a 39t for the front. That just might make it more hill friendly without resorting to a triple, and a big hit money wise.
If this is an older Campy crank with a 144 mm BCD, a 42T chainring is the smallest that will fit. The newer 135 mm BCD campy cranks will accept an 39T ring.