Originally Posted by merlinextraligh
The 12-27 is definitely the way to go. Simple easy change. If it's not enough, you can add the compact front, and then you'd have lowe enough gears for most anything.
+1 ... that is what I did the beginning of 2005 and love it!! That extra 15% or so DOES make a difference on the hills, especially being able to sustain a steady spead and keep the pedals rotating on anything longer than a couple hundred feet.
I am moving to a 34/50 with a 12/27 rear on my Six13 ... and look forward to trying it on a couple tough steep hills to see how much better it is.