Originally Posted by
CustomSteel
It sounds like maybe a 12/27 or 11/28 cassette with a double 39/53 crankset would be useful? Or do you think something like a compact 34/50 chainring would be better? My guess is that a 12/25 cassette wouldn't be very well suited for the local terrain in my area.
Well, I know I'm not strong enough to enjoy a 39/53, so I kinda doubt that you would. That kind of cassette, I'd much prefer a triple. Or a compact crank. I'd still have to honk up a good few hills, but the 34 would be a lot more useful than the 39. And the 53 wouldn't do squat for me. The 50 would take me past 30 mph anyhow, and if I spin out above that I'm entirely content with coasting.
A 12/25 and a triple would give you a nice and tight spacing, AND a decent speed range all in one go. My choice hands down.