Live in Mesa near Usery and ride a 28 and 50mm Rovals. Never had an issue or longed for more gearing.
Everyone says their favorite ride in the valley is to end of the pavement (EOP) / Tortilla Flats like @KorbenDallas mentioned. By far my favorite ride
Usery pass and out to Saguaro lake is always a great ride
Fountain Hills is a good spot to cruise through as well, good mix of short punchy (Golden Eagle) and nice rolling hills, plus a few longer hills
Needle Rock is another fun one