I know it’s super steep on some roads out east. I’m very excited to try a temp contract out east this fall. Which bike to bring is the dilemma.
Maybe it’s a locality thing but I frequently hit 12-18 percent just a couple hours south of you. Interstates and state roads generally follow the 6-8 percent limit.
I didn’t like triples in the early 90’s and I don’t like them now. I’m very happy with 1x on MTB and Gravel (with 11sp thumbies on the MTB) and doubles on my road bikes. I can’t say I’ve noticed a compromise in missing the extra ring.