8 miles, up.
My new commute consists of 12 miles on the way to work....8 miles is up hill coming out of the Mississippi River valley, and is wrecking me. My old commute in California was flat as, well, flat. Granted, coming home is a blast. Downhill 8 miles? Yes please! So I am planning on lowering my gears to 13/36 for the steep inclines. apparently they started making them for the 29ers but tourers are digging them too From what I've been reading. Time to replace the cassette anyways. i just want more low options. Also I found bar ends are not too much fun when changing elevations so quickly and frequently, but will either need to keep an eagle eye out for 9 speed birifters on cl or just bite the bullet and say uncle and get them new. Opinions, reviews, suggestions, condolences are all welcome.