Originally Posted by
mattcalifornia
Sounds like we're kind of in the same boat. I just changed my front chainring from 36 to 32! I have two sets of wheels: 650b rims with 47mm semi-knobby tires with a 9-46 cassette; and 700c rims with 42mm mostly slick tires with a 9-39 cassette. I've only ridden the 32T chainring once so far, but it's really nice for the steeps. With the 9-tooth cog in the back, I can still pedal over 25mph, so I don't feel like I'm giving much up. I'd rather have more room on the low end. The biggest problem with this setup is the relatively large gaps between some of the gears.
Yeah I'm on 650B x47 Senderos, so quite knobby for a "gravel" tire. But as I say, I'm essentially riding this thing like a XC bike. Go as low as you need, I say. Having that 9 does sound good for the high end, I wouldn't mind trying to get that sorted, but I'm cool with coasting!