Originally Posted by
mack_turtle
the question is a bit vague without specifying wheel/tire size.
I never had problems with 700Cx32mm tires with a 39/17 combo. the top speed is a bit low but I'm not racing anyone. accelerating away from stops is bearable and climbing hills was tolerable. I honestly don't know how people tolerate pushing really big gears unless the appearance and feeling of machoness makes it worth the pain.
currently my gravel bike with 650B x 47mm tires, which splits time between singletrack and paved roads has a 42/18 combo.
I should have said , its 27 x 1 1/4 , so very similar to 700c x 32 really. Would you have ever thought about lower than 39/17 or do you reckon that's the cutoff?