BITD I ran a 52/42 with a 14-24 in the back. Over time shifted to the "stylish" 53/39. When I lived in SoCal there were climbs I couldn't do in 39x24. I also had a touring half-step with granny (50/45/28) and a 14-28. That's good for touring and with a set of wheels for off-road I could climb in mtb terrain with the 28x28 setup. I now have an old-man's bike with compact. It came with 11-32 rear but I found I was only using the big ring so swapped out for an 11-26 and 34x26 works for the terrain I ride on. But I could see needing the 34x32 in some situations.
scott s.
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