Actually, my setup is:
10 speed (I may explore 11 next year for fun, maybe)
Rotor Qrings 52 X 34
Shimano 10 speed cassette 11-36 modified to 13-42
SRAM Force 22 Yaw FD
SRAM Via GT long cage RD
150mm SRAM Apex crankset shortened by bikesmith
SRAM 10 speed Rival brifters
I am able to use all gears. Big big and small small, however I do only use the exstream X combos briefly if I need to.
Shifting is great, however it takes a lot of tinkering to get it right.
Climbing on long hills, or lazy climbing in 34 chainring X 42 Wolf cog my rang is about 4.5 to 5.7 mph. 5.7 is a pretty fast spin ( to lazy to do math) 4.5 is getting close to stall speed for me (but fitness level can have an impact on this). The hill grade %, well that just depends on my fitness level. In these speeds I'm still feeling confident and straight, no problem there. The 34 X 42 combo comes in real handy when my fitness level is low, like it is now. The better fit I am, carrying less weight, the less I use the extreme gear combo. With what I personal know now, I could even go lower geared, like 34 X 44 as long as I'm not spinning out and get some resistance in pedaling force, I think I could get down to possibly 3 mph and still maintain a somewhat straight line. As a reference, when I'm riding on the MUP in congested foot traffic I get can get walking speed slow, but it's not a continued cadence, more like spin coast spin coast, etc.
Be Kind to Your Knees
Spin them pedals faster will put less stress on the knees.
Shorter crank arms help decrease the extreme angle on the knee bends
Q-rings: Rotor say they help eliminate or limit knee pain
Stretching tight muscles and ligaments will help
Correct boom adjustment, very important
Free floating pedals, such as Frogs with the mod to add left and right float.
For me this was ditching SPD's and going with the Frog's and float mod.
