(after which I’m generally better off working on my aero tuck, rather than trying to pedal any faster).
indeed, and a fact lost on most people.
Even my Audax bikes only use 44(11t) and 48(12t) tooth big rings and go plenty fast enough when required. I can keep up with club chaingang on the flat and tuck works better downhill.
We really do seem to have let elite racing dictate recreational gearing for far too long, especially on bikes not meant for racing! go with what works for you, and it’s likely you’ll miss the low gears before the high ones, especially on longer hilly rides when you’re tired.
surely if you are in terrain that needs a 28t then you’d be better off with a mtb.
a steep fireroad or hardpack doesn’t need an MTB, it does need low gears, and since lots of ‘gravel’ bikes are also used for bikepacking and touring then it makes sense to have the range to cover all uses.