Originally Posted by
Chris Chicago
fair enough. bikes tend to have more gears than the rider needs. I just question the benefit of reducing that number if you already have them. it will raise the bottom of your chaining a half inch, maybe that's worth it.
you are mixing up two things: we are discussing a new bike and you would buy it with the gearing you want.
YOU talk about replacing an existing drivetrain. 2 completely different sets of reasoning for each case. You cant use advice for the new case for the used case.
For new (the topic of this thread) it makes most sense to buy it the way one wants.
for existing, it makes most economic sense to keep what you have and upgrade when worn out.