Originally Posted by
Amt0571
A 30 - 51 on a 29“ bike is similar to the typical 22 - 32 on a 26“ bikes.
If you don't need that sort of gearing, you don't have climbs steep enough. I prefer to pedal at 5kph if necessary rather than walking carrying a bike.
We have plenty of steep climbs here. Enough that it necessitates some good technical skill to prevent the bike from wheeling up. But you do need to maintain some sort of speed to prevent front wheel wander. I couldn't imagine the cadence needed with a 30t chainring.