fromabuick6

My first post—hi to all! I have a 2005 Trek 520, haven’t done any serious touring yet but want to eventually. I feel the stock gearing might be too high for me with a loaded rig. I was looking at the Shimano LX FC-M581 Trekking crankset on the Nashbar web site. Would this work on the Trek 520? I was also looking at the Sugino XD2 crankset on the Rivendell web site. Has anyone out there used either of these cranksets on the Trek 520? I noticed the Shimano crankset comes with a bottom bracket. Would I have to buy a different bottom bracket with the Sugino?

I can use (I hope) the Shimano crank from the 520 on road bike I want to rebuild so it wouldn’t be a total loss on that end.

I would ask the LBS, but they think I’m crazy for wanting lower gears. I’ve been using the bike as is, and it’s fine, but when I get on serious hills, I feel like I could use some lower gears.

Thanks in advance for any replies.