Thanks to all of your for all of the info. SK, I think you're right in that not all of us are going to be at our best in the stock gearing that comes on the bike from the shop. Now I just have to get Blaine convinced that I need some more gears. He's all for a 27, but doesn't think I'll need much more than that. Maybe I don't. I don't know. My knees do get painful sometimes, but I've never had serious problems with them. But I'm sure getting older ain't gonna help the situation much!!