Originally Posted by
davidad
Go for the 24t front ring. The shifting will be a little tougher at first, but there is no substitute for a low gear when you need it. With the 28 in back you will have a 23 inch gear. Great for climbing with a touring load.
If I'm reading the specs right, the bike comes with a 26 tooth small chainring. Changing from a 26 to a 24 is less of difference than changing the largest rear cog from a 28 to a 32. Not much, really, but it might be worth is when touring.