Gearing Differences/Ratios?

[laura*]

9 speed 11-34T

That's a mountain bike cassette.

chainrings are 26-36-48

Those are about half way between mountain bike and road bike gears. Such gears might be found on touring bikes (where the rider might be hauling 100 pounds of gear) and bikes targeting casual riders.

This overall gearing is certainly much easier than what you'd find on a road bike like the Madone.