> Most riders can't really use an 11t cog with a 53t chainring, so it's not really missed. <

What do you mean by "can't"? Doesn't it fit properly or what?

> The smallest chainring that will fit is a 38t, which will gain you so little for more than a few dollars. <

Well, I guess that answers that unless they made an even swap - in which case every little bit helps!

> Buying the 12/27 cogset, and after a little training, you will be able to tell if it will meet your needs or not. Diamond Head is short but steep so your young legs should work fine. <

Young legs? I'm almost 55 plus I only started riding two years ago as of February 24th - but I will pass the 11,000 mile mark tomorrow. Diamond Head doesn't strike me as steep anymore - sort of medium, especially when I compare to going out past Hawaii Kai and climbing up to Makapu'u Lookout (and usually into the wind too).

> Tantalus on the other hand is a *****! When I lived in Hawaii (seems like a hundred years ago) we'd take our motorcycles up it. It was tough, hard and very demanding on them! You will have to learn to pace yourself up Tantalus, and spin, spin, spin. <

I've climbed it 4 times. It just wears at you for 5 miles with only a couple extremely short breaks well over halfway up. This is one of the hills that worries me, though I don't "need" to climb it other than it is there (grin). Since I basically stick with my lowest gear 90% of the way, I'm not sure how this double crank will work.

> I have a friend that lives on Maui and likes to ride up Haleakala, 0-10,000 and back down. Now that's a hill! <

I haven't been to Maui yet, but I could see myself riding up there - just not by bike!!! But do you happen to know how many miles it takes to reach that altitude?

Bob