Originally Posted by Nicodemus
I wish they'd offer KISS models with 1 front chainring and 5sp rear cassette (I don't have much elevation to contend with).
DIY it! I turned my Rockhopper into a 7-speed, and thanks to the wonders of modern chain flexibility, it ran just fine.
I eventually retired it due to a magnificent headtube crack.
I still needed a beer to work with that ancient Shimano rear derailleur though. I think the component group name was 'craptastic'.