For reasons of parts-bin build , I have only three chainrings to play with. 49, 46, and 34. I'll be using an 8-speed rear wheel that I recently got for cheap.

I'm wondering if there's any real benefit to including the 46 ring when I'm going with a larger cassette. Wouldn't I be just as well off with only the 49 and 34? Especially since I'm in San Diego and deal with constant hills, rather than flatland that's conducive to finding the perfect cadence.

Thoughts? Thanks.