I think you went down the wrong path in racing components and then wanted to tour on it..

stop Pre Worrying just go someplace .. I see bikes that have crossed the whole continent with the same 50-34 crank on it ..

(Topographic Maps show you how steep the hills are by how close the isobars are to each Other )



Its not like DC's Capital Hill is Mountainous , except the piles of our money spent there.

I have used my 2 foot Gear , on fact I have to use it when I visit friends that live on the ridge-top in this town.