Originally Posted by
Dan333SP
It's a shame that you can't get a "mid compact" with the 5800 group, that would give you a nice middle ground between what you have now and a traditional standard. That said, you live in the plains and your "hills" (correct me if I'm wrong though, I've never been to NE) probably aren't too steep or too long, so a standard crank with an 11/28 should be more than enough low end for you. If you travel to the Rockies... rent a bike with a compact and a 12-32 or something.
Nebraskas geography is kind of all over the place. It's hilly in the west, flat in the middle, and hilly once you get to Iowa (because of the bluffs). The hills are mid-level in their steepness but they are short, which is nice. Do you think that I should still stay with the standard crank and 11/28?