Originally Posted by
bruce19
I'll agree with Downtube42. No one else can tell you what works for you. I'm 74 and ride with a compact and 11-28. So what? That has nothing to do with you. If you haven't been climbing, you don't have climbing fitness. And, I'm guessing, you don't have climbing technique. I'd buy whatever bike works for you as is. Then I'd start climbing. After awhile you will know if you need different gears. My guess is as you get more fit, your gearing needs may change again. Go with the bike that "speaks" to you and make changes as needed.
Bruce stole my thunder. I own a Bianchi Infinito CV with the 11-30 cassette. There are times I would really like the 34. I would get what you think will be the best out of the box, you can always change down the road. BTW, I've ridden mine about 3,000 miles since last fall and I am 68 years old. It's a great bike!
