Robbie,

Numbers are what I do for a living. I enjoy numbers. I understand numbers the way some people understand spoken languages.

The thing is, I've ridden bicycles long enough to know exactly what each of those combinations feels like. I know from long experience (numbers and riding) that I want a ratio of X (say, 52X17) because I know that's what is good for this stretch of flats but it's too big for hill climbing and too small for drafting. I need a bike that has the right gears, so that when I reach for more (or less) I have the exact amount at hand and I know where it is. I don't even have to think about the shift. I bump (or pull) the front derailleur and add (or subtract) one from the rear. It does not require much thought. I just do it.

I hated it when I wanted X but could only get Y (too much) or Z (too little). As I get older, it becomes increasingly important to me. Remember, I am also vintage now, not just my bike.

Those of you with ten speed cassettes spaced one tooth a part and double (or triple) chainrings probably have a hard time understanding the need to plan ahead like this. You may have no idea how easy it is to just click shift as opposed to overshift and come back the exact amount without too much thought. When you have a Nuovo Record friction shifter, you learn these things. When you have only five in the rear, it pays to plan ahead.