I have always struggled climbing hills. Every hill I usually manage to redline. My heart rate is crazy high and my breathing, well it's more akin to gasping. Ok, it's not a pretty sight watching me climb. I usually end up bailing half way up just to get my breathing and HR under control. When I ride my specialized dolce up any substantial hill I run out of gears very early. Now that I own a mountain bike getting up hills is much much better. Most steep climbs I have anywhere from 1-3 lower gears left. And I make It to the top with out redlining and gasping, I'm slow, but I make it. And that got me to thinking. Why don't I get similar gearing set up put onto my Dolce? I asked at the local LBS and it sounds like it's going to cost around $500, which then started me thinking why don't I start seriously looking a Surly LHT? And get the gearing I want/need. I want a comfortable touring bike and from what I gleamed from reading endless crazyguyonabike forum posts, Surly LHT seem to be the bike most people use.
Now, about the gearing.....how low can I get them? And is it feasible to modify a road bike with a lot of mountain bike
Components?
I have this crazy idea that I want to ride the USA southern tier route. But I need a bike that is comfortable for riding hours day after day. I want a more upright sitting position (personal choice) and it's going to be mostly credit card touring. Sleeping in a tent is not my idea of fun. I want a shower and a comfy bed after being on the bike most of the day. I have my eye on the surly model with disk breaks. But if I can't get gearing low enough, I won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
Any thoughts Ladies?