Skip the super high gears, and you can have decent low gears with reasonably tight spacing. I find 50/14 (96") high enough on the road bike, 48/12 (104") on the mountain bike. Low gear is up to you -- I generally use 42/23 on the road, but I do have a 42/26 granny that I want (need?) on steep hills or end-of-ride climbs. On the mountain bike I use a 1:1 (26", 28/28) ratio, but something a bit lower would occasionally be useful.
One of the more interesting gearing systems is the double reduction jackshaft system Dan Gutierrez built for his assault on Fargo Street (34% grade, the steepest in Los Angeles). He was able to remain seated and spin his way up the hill.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgIL6eHHgZU
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069