One review which was really more oaf a press sheet in a British mage that said they existed, and implied pretty much the rest of what you wrote after this. And, the same ****** post that you quoted. Mixed "reviews." Regardless, maybe it's just me, but I am not into taking my chances with components. I've had enough mechanical failure in my life to know that going cheap is not a good bet.


I'm well aware of how power works. I'm also well aware that the benefits of low gearing (meaning low ratios have limits). Your points are not incorrect, but I'd offer that the focus on getting to a 42T low gear in a setup that will be cobbled together and way beyond spec to overcome a perceived inability to perform when the earth pitches upwards, is a far less reliable solution than riding more and getting stronger. Maybe, it's the young racer in me despite being almost 50 (I can't believe I am admitting this top you, when I haven't admitted it to me) that refuses to accept as an acceptable substitute for training and conditioning is just cobbling together ridiculous gearing setups that are way beyond manufacturer specs and will inevitably lead to mechanical issues that will require either careful riding or constant maintenance to keep functioning (my experience when deciding I was smarter than Shimano's engineers). To each their own, my hat's off to those who make these things work. I just would rather ride focused on the ride without all the worries that would linger.