Originally Posted by
Mt. Tam
Really more of an issue of what gradients you're on. If you're doing climbs that are steeper than 10-15% then I would say stick with compact. But if you're regularly on ramps below that then go for 52-36 with an 11-28. At least that's my preference in hilly Marin County.
On some of the 20-28% grades in SF, my 50-34, 11-32 gravel bike is far better even though it's heavier. Sounds like OP may be more concerned with spinning out on descents, but seems the climbs should be the first priority.
It's hilly where I live, but not mountainous. Quite a few 3 and 4 cat climbs, and while challenging, aren't killing me. One in particular goes on for a bit. It ramps up at the beginning, hitting a 24% gradient for a short spell, before levelling off to a slight uphill for a couple of miles. Average gradient over the entire 3.1miles is 4%. There is another, similar, climb that I tend to do the same ride, but it's not as windy, but slightly steeper (max 25%, average 5%, similar distance, higher elevation). Again, it's not a struggle, and I've seen all manner of bikes do this hill, including folders, as it features on the most popular local sportive. Most people make it up from what I've seen. These are two of the iconic climbs in the area I live, but by no means the most difficult. But they are typical of what hills I do ride.