Okay, an update on the gearing. I put new skin on the old rim and got it all cleaned up and greased. Turns out that 13T sprocket is just what the doctor ordered. My easy cruise speed is now about 20MPH with a 4 MPH headwind and I no longer feel a need to upshift to a higher gear. I did lose a couple of teeth on my larger gear (26 to 24) but I'll worry about that when I hit the long climb. For now it's all good! Thanks for all the 'nice' comments regarding cadence. I'm a masher-always have been and always will be.