I bought my Nishiki Blazer in 1997 for commuting. I needed higher gearing for faster cruising and put a 53-tooth chainring up front on the triple. It is the biggest ring that would fit due to the widening of the chain stays just behind it. In fact, there is no room for the chain to slip between the cog and the frame at that point, which has let to some epic chain jams over the years. I also fitted longish crank arms soon after that.
I forget what the smallest rear cog is, but I don't spin out on the bike until about 36 mph or more which I used to hit regularly on a long, steep downhill.
I was more of a low-cadence masher 25 years ago, but I still ride it regularly, mostly in the winter when it gets studded tires.
Pics from 10 years ago:
The bike last year or so:
