Originally Posted by
Racing Dan
If you are 175 lbs on a 20 lbs bike you are pushing ~245W if you are doing 70 RPM in the 34/34 on a 10% climb. A not so fit rider will get in trouble if the climb is sustained, thus requiring lower gears to go slower and push less power at a reasonable cadence.
That was exactly my point for recommending a compact 50/34 and 11-34 cassette. The OP is heavier than me and I would guess less bike fit and so would certainly not be spinning out on a 34/34 gear like some other poster was suggesting. Only reason I didn’t suggest a triple was because they are pretty much extinct and probably not necessary unless touring.