I have been riding a converted Kona Lava Dome on a 32/12 ratio into work every day for a few weeks - the journey has one big hill to negotiate which is only just do-able. With an occasional full backpack this hill becomes nigh on impossible.

I was going to revert to a 13 rear sprocket, which I had used for 2 months or so (I am a relative newcomer). Then I had the bright idea of maybe using the big (44t) chain ring (instead of the middle chain ring) with say a 18t rear sprocket.

I am hoping this will give me the best of both worlds: the speed on the flat (better than a 32/12) and the ability to climb up that hill.

Have I got my maths wrong?