Touring - Changing Gearing Options

I have a new 2007 Bianchi Volpe with the stock drivetrain (48/38/28, 11-32, Tiagra STI shifters and FD, Deore RD). I want to get some lower gearing options as my lowest gear right now is 28x32. I am definitely looking at getting one of Sheldon Brown's custom touring cassettes, probably the 13-34. I also want to go lower in the front with either a 22 or 24 possibly a XT trekking cassette. I am also looking at upgrading to either an LX or XT RD. I have done some minor work on my bikes in the past, but do not consider myself a mechanic and I do not want to get into a job I can't handle. So I will probably let the LBS do the change out for me. However, I do want to know what I am speaking about when I go in.

My question is this: Will I only need the new crankset and cassette to accomplish my objective or will there be any other parts I will need.?

I replaced my gear with XT crank, sprocket, rear deraileur. ㄳ

http://srgb.net/tou.jpg

I have a new 2007 Bianchi Volpe with the stock drivetrain (48/38/28, 11-32, Tiagra STI shifters and FD, Deore RD). I want to get some lower gearing options as my lowest gear right now is 28x32. I am definitely looking at getting one of Sheldon Brown's custom touring cassettes, probably the 13-34. I also want to go lower in the front with either a 22 or 24 possibly a XT trekking cassette. I am also looking at upgrading to either an LX or XT RD. I have done some minor work on my bikes in the past, but do not consider myself a mechanic and I do not want to get into a job I can't handle. So I will probably let the LBS do the change out for me. However, I do want to know what I am speaking about when I go in.

My question is this: Will I only need the new crankset and cassette to accomplish my objective or will there be any other parts I will need.?For a 24 you don't need a new crankset, just a simple 24 tooth 74 mm BCD chainring.

See: http://harriscyclery.com/74

Sheldon "Save Your Money" Brown

Thanks for the info. I am going to do exactly that. I am going to change to a 24 tooth small ring and not worry about the other changes. I am just going to get out and ride and enjoy my bike. I have been too consumed by upgrade fever. I should have negotiated some changes when I purchased the bike, but I was too ignorant about what I wanted/needed. I was also too impatient about wanting to get the bike now. Hopefully lesson learned. I will look at changes/upgrades as they are warranted or needed. For now I am just going to ride.