For most mere nonracing mortals, a top gear of about 100 inches, such as 52/14 or 48/13, is adequate. Yes, optimal gearing is highly personal, depending on one's preferred cadence, strength, typical terrain, typical load, etc. As you ride, notice which gears you tend to use. In particular, do you often wish you had something lower? higher? Do you never use your lowest gear, or, as I do, save it for a killer climb at the end of a long ride? Do you ever spin out your top gear, or are you, as I am, afraid to go that fast?
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069