Originally Posted by
bikecommuter13
This is the first time I take this route. I am on my endurance road bike with about 20 lbs of goods on the rack. My lowest gear is 34/32. I can't get the top the hill. I make it about 3/4 of the hill. I simply run out of air.
Let's say I am on a touring bike that's 10 lbs heavier. And the lowest gear is 26/34. Will I do any better?
I see what your thinking here.
On my tour this past summer I walked out of quite a few river valleys. My bike loaded was about 120lbs most days. That bike has 28/32 gearing. Fall pricing, I bought a new bike, with the lowest gearing being 26/36. I feel this bike will climb a tree. I don't expect to (and don't now) use the Granny gearing. But nice to have when you can see the last twelve vertical feet to climb, and don't want to push, and re-mount at the crest.
Hope this helps.
=Snuts-