Hi alwolf,

You WILL improve your climbing, and the weight will drop off you.

If you need a dinner plate gear on the back then use it.I don't think twice about changing down to a 42/34 when I need it on my winter rattler - and regularly use my little ring on my triple on my posh bike.

I would love to be able to climb like Contador but am happy to stick within my limits with whatever gear it takes to get over that hill.

Enjoy