Tiagra, got 2 need 3, how easy is the change?

[redddraggon]

It does make you wonder though, something billed as a Cross bike with 50/34 and 12-25, that gives you ranges of, 54-113 gear inches in the outer and 37-77 in the inner. Change the setup to a 46/30 and 12-27 and you get 46-104 outer and 30-68 inner.

Certainly SRAMs new 10 speed double for MTB and Cross comes with 45/30 rings.

A proper set of ratios for Cyclocross would be something like 38/48, 38/46, 39/46, or 39/48

 

[MacB]

A proper set of ratios for Cyclocross would be something like 38/48, 38/46, 39/46, or 39/48

quite possibly, 've never done it so wouldn't know, but you can get a lower bottom end using 38/48 with a MTB cassette, than a 50/34 with a 12-25. 34x25 is 37 inches and 38x34 is 30 inches, actually 50/34 and a 13-32 would be a reasonable combination.

 

[BenScoobert]

Or walk up the stupid steep bits. There's no shame in that.

Now this bit I can do, I guess in a month or so I'll be peddling up them and regret spending money on the low range stuff.

 

[MacB]

Now this bit I can do, I guess in a month or so I'll be peddling up them and regret spending money on the low range stuff.

I suppose it depends on where you start from but my first bike was a triple. 30/42/52, and the small ring was used a lot at first. After the first month it's never been used locally to me but then I don't have any big hills. I stuill think your easiest solution would be a MTB rear mech and wider range cassette. Easy to swap back as well and can be kept in reserve if you know you're going somewhere very hilly.