I am moving from Minnesota to Western MA at the end of this month (June, 2011)! My wife and I grew up in Western MA and have been living in Minneapolis now for 6 years. I started mountain biking after moving to Minneapolis. The trails out here are great but obviously there is not much change in elevation. So the gear ratio I currently use (33/16) on my 1 x 1 works great for the trails out here but I know I am going need a new ratio once I start riding actual mountains out in New England. I am thinking 33/18 but not really sure. I have not done much riding this season so my legs are a little out of shape too. So that is also something to consider. Any gear ratio suggestions? I will be riding mostly in the Amherst/Northampton/Deerfield/Greenfield areas.

Thanks.