I just edited the original post with my drive train info...
I think i'm trying to get close to a 1:1 ratio at the lowest, as whatever route i go will be used exclusively for loaded touring.
One of the reasons i am asking about going the route of a road triple, with only the middle and granny gear, is because the rear derailleur is a short cage, so to accomadate a triple, i would have to invest in new RD, right?
And its a 10 speed set up, so i dont think the FD will accomadte the triple like suggested above.
I was searching ebay and there is some cheap road triples out there, complete or just arms. Do you think the current drive train could work, with a road triple with say a 26-39 or something, keeping the rest of the parts current?