Heavy bike with climbing gears or light bike with 52/42T ??

[02gf74]

Depends on the hilliness. In east anglia youll get away with 42, not so in the welsh mountains.

a triple should mean youll do more cycling instead of wallking up hills.

 

[Adam_S]

I once made it up over Leggit Hill on the Pacific Coast Highway with panniers and camping gear with nothing smaller than a 39:30. I'm not sure it's an experience I'd recommend to anybody else. If you're putting heavy stuff on the back then go with triple chain rings. If you're doing shortish trips with minimal gear and not much climbing though then you might get away with it.

 

[The History Man]

Just had a look at my strava for the tour last month. Steepest successful fully loaded was 27% up through Witney on Wye. That's gearing for you. Slower than walking but you maintain a rhythm and enjoy the view/pain.

Go for as many gears as you can. Weight is inconsequential.