Im a Texan and its relatively flat here. We have some undulations and rises but not too many real climbs here. A 39 is the max the average Santa Cruz supports -

Im a Texan and its relatively flat here. We have some undulations and rises but not too many real climbs here. A 39 is the max the average Santa Cruz supports - Im running a mere 36 on my Salsa Timberjack because one more tooth and I got a frame grinder. It's adequate but if you're out on a ride with an equally fit friend with a 39 you just get smoked. Now knowing that 700c roadie wheels and 29" MTB wheels are the same circumference ... riding a roadie on gravel with a 48 up front and a 11 out back is comparatively fucking fast!!! Im not going to take any "real trails" on the thing but as the gravel path around the lake goes - fitness rides etc - it hauls ass like my old MTBs that had the similar gearing. I really miss it to be honest.