The Malverns are super steep which means even pumping out of the saddle id need a pretty low gear. Im guessing there is no way round this problem
You eventually just MTFU and get on with it. :-)
I run a 33:18 on a 29er, which can be tough on long steep climbs, but I wouldn’t want to go lower as I’d be spinning like a fool.
It’s worth it for the simplicity and ease of maintenance- no rattley derailleurs, no clutter, no cables….
Just a direct, smooth, silent drivetrain. Always.