Quote Originally Posted by tulip View Post
For me it's psychological. It's important for me to know that I have more gears, even if I don't use them. I rarely use the granny gear, but it's just nice to know it's there. I was fine, physically, on Skyline Drive over two days with my compact, but I spent alot of my energy on worrying that I would need another gear or two. Therefore, I will be taking my triple bike to this event. Everyone is different in terms of fitness and psychology, so go with what works for you.
You're absolutely right, and I'm continuing to weigh the psychological element of all this. The scientist in me often defaults to the empirical data (gear inches) and ignores the feelings (what will make me happy?), sometimes to a fault.

Thanks again for all of your help- I really do appreciate it.