Originally Posted by
jefnvk
Is any practical use case that I am not considering (i.e., pedaling downhill) that it would be worth a bit higher gearing, or any other advantages from having higher gearing that what I am currently getting use out of? .
Yes! i would get as high of a gear as practically possible.
It is very useful if you are a slow slow cadence peddler, as I am.
Every five minutes, or so, I stand on the pedals and pedal slow slow to move my back around and take pressure off my behind.
I've always toured this way so it is a consideration.