Originally Posted by
HTupolev
You're basically saying that cyclists should let minor configuration choices with a bicycle dictate what routes they ride. You're also picking a completely arbitrary bar for what everyone should accept as a suitably-low bottom gear. In other words, you think that if someone is at a level of fitness significantly lower than myself, the ride I did yesterday ought to be off-limits to them. Even though it's fairly easy to solve that problem by modifying the bicycle. That's horrible, especially as it's an absolutely amazing ride with spectacular views.
You really should read the OP's post. He said he struggles on hills. Where do you get that I am dictating what rides he can do? Pay attention. I am saying that as a NEW rider, pay attention, he should give it a chance to develop his legs before wasting money on equipment that he will soon not need.
Not sure where you get the idea he is trying to ride up mountains with spectacular views or where I said that he couldn't or that it was off limits. Please pay attention! I said he will develop and soon will not need those easier gears to make it up the hills or whatever. I did not say he shouldn't enjoy them, I said he will soon enjoy them without the waste of money as i did. Please pay attention.
I did not alter my bike as a new rider. I struggled up hills. But I gave myself a chance to get used to the bike AS A NEW RIDER. I didn't waste my money, I rode my bike. I got better, I made it up the mountains on my bike without changing equipment. Give the guy a chance to ride his bike first.