I think the lower the gearing the better. I would rather spin up a hill than walk it. I have a ways to go before I can take off my crank. I have some tools that I need to get first before I can do the job but it will get done at some point. Now that the idea is firmly planted in my head it's just a matter of time. I have an older Shimano something CX gruppo on the bike now that has a long cage derailleur on the back. It's meant to be.