thanks davet, that helped a lot. the second idea is interesting.
how do you figure out which gives the greatest options? by that i mean, what is the math to determine if pedaling is easier on a 39 tooth chainring coupled with a 34 tooth cog versus a smaller chainring and a smaller cog.
are there any drawbacks to using a mtb cassette? what is the stock gearing on a touring bike?
thanks.