Originally Posted by
dave42
Well, no, it's not.
That's why i posed the question.
Standard or not doesn't matter. Assuming parts are available, set your bike up that way you want it. If you think you need a 14" gear and can do it, do so.
Consider ---- if you set up with a low that's not low enough, you're walking. OTOH- if your low is too low, you shift to the next gear.
For my part, I'm not an advocate for gears much below 25 or so, but that's me. If you think you need lower, don't let anyone talk you out of it. Once you have some experience in mountains you can know better next time.