1. Look at a map of the US. That’s the terrain I ride. I ride mostly in the mountain west but I’ve ridden everywhere but Florida and Alaska
2. Mountain and road.
3. See 1 above. I have mountains to the west and plains to the east of where I live. But for butt kicking hills, go to the eastern US.
4. 785%, 760%, 714%, 691%, 550% and 424%. I use them often
5. The 424% to something more useful
- See number 1 above.
- Touring, mountain (3), cruiser and fast road bike.
- See number 1 above.
- From no. 4 above in order:
-Touring, 46/34/20, 11-36 9 speed
-Mountain bikes 44/34/20 11-36 10 speed
- Cruiser(ish) bike 44/34/22 11-34 9 speed
- Commuter (cyclocross really) 48/34/22 11-34 9 speed
- Fast road 50/39/30 11-28 10 speed
I’ve spent decades getting the gearing I want. I wouldn’t change anything now and I deal with old equipment (I have a huge inventory of 9 speed parts) because the current fad is just dumb in my opinion. It stems from people not knowing how to adjust their bikes and not knowing anything about gearing. And that includes the manufacturers.