So, in my goal to improve my Nova's gear range for commuting/touring in a cost-effective way, I've been researching bicycle gearing online and have generated the following possibilities:

(1) Change cassette to 11-28T, chainring to 52T
(2) Change cassette to 11-28T, implement double chainring 53/39T
(3) Change cassette to 11-28T, implement triple chainring 30/42/52T

Thoughts? Could option 1 and option 3 work together--that is, to save costs, implement the single 52T chainring first to improve the top gearing, then down the road add the two other chainrings, front derailleur, and necessary shifting mechanisms? My LBS would do all the work (not a tinkerer).

I understand the freewheel could be replaced with a freehub for even greater gearing options, but I'm trying to limit costs.