Racing cyclists were strong and well conditioned "back when" and used to the gearing.
13-18 for crits, 13-21 for road racing & training & 13-24 for mountain stages.

A race bike can be considered C&V if the current owner can't hack the original gearing.
Here's a pic of mine that was 53/42 13-21 when I built it and recently modified to 53/39 13-25 10 cog since I can't hack it either anymore.......



-Bandera