Super low gears on a road bike

[JennK13]

I just got a second wheelset for my Fuji Cross Comp. Stock it has 36/46 up front and a 10 speed 12-25 in the rear. Im on the Front Range, so I know those "hills" you're referring to
My second set will have slicks on it (stock has xc knobbies), and I ordered an 11-28 for the cassette on it. Im excited to have that 28 on the low end AND that 11 for some extra speed. Cant wait for it to come in!

[maillotpois]

When I wanted to outfit my 9 speed triple (with a 26 or 27 large cog) as my brevet/touring bike, I just changed the small front chain ring to a smaller size (pretty sure it is a 28). A lot easier and cheaper than switching the back and it give me plenty of gears. Cost me about $50 ordering the touring ring off Peter White's site.

(This may only be able to be done with Campy, but I don't know why that would be.)

I ride with lots of folks who have compact doubles paired with SRAM or Shimano MTB rear derailleurs and dinner plate cassettes.

[ultraviolet]

I'm currently running a compact 50/34 up front and an 11-34 in the back on my BMC. My knees thank me for it every time I point the bike uphill.