I carry a fairly light load (two large rear panniers) and tent on rear rack, but I camp and I carry a lot of foul/cold weather gear. On a recent tour in the mountains I only used my granny twice and if I didn't mind walking a short stretch each time I could have gotten away with my middle ring 38 x 34 on my cassette. I don't mind the weight of my extra chain ring and with 4 panniers I would need it in the mtns, but I don't plan on carrying 4 panniers anytime soon!