Need Advice Concerning Gearing on Compact Double

[Catrin]

I think you will enjoy having a much deeper rear cassette, and even if you do need (probably) do change the rear derailleur I think it will be very much worth it - looking forward to hearing how it goes on the 24th!

[OakLeaf]

Don't criticize anyone's gearing choices until you've ridden 100 miles in her terrain.

Back in my racing days I could get up any given hill in my 42x21, but even then, an Appalachian metric century full of them would leave me crying. 25 years later there's zero chance of my old lady legs pushing those gears, and I'm not a bit ashamed of it. Putting on a cassette with a 27T sprocket was the difference between having fun on Columbus Fall Challenge vs the tough steep training centuries leading up to it that I did with a 30x25.

Western PA is steeper than Ohio, even. Let the gal have her low gears already.

[Catrin]

Don't criticize anyone's gearing choices until you've ridden 100 miles in her terrain.
....
Western PA is steeper than Ohio, even. Let the gal have her low gears already.

Yes, this. All of our bodies and terrain are different.

[Cyclesome]

I am 53 years old and in the best physical condition of my life at 5' 6'' and 145 lbs. I lift weights 3 times a week (Group Power) and take 3 cardio classes (Group Step) as well. During the winter I use a Cycleops trainer for my bike. When riding with my friend who runs marathons and also has a compact double, we both run out of gears on hills. This is Western Pa, steep, long hills. In my riding club, most have triples.