I built a new touring bike this spring and put 12-25 gearing on it and a 48-38-26 crank. I didn't build the bike really for touring but I have been up some pretty tough climbs with it so far and I would say it is doable for self contained touring if you stay off the big climbs, On the other hand you could also buy a spare cassette with a 30-32 tooth low cog along with a chain whip and a cassette wrench for less than $75 and just change cassettes when you want to tour. It takes about 10 minutes to change a cassette if you are slow.
Last edited by Cyclist0094; 05-12-05 at 04:28 PM.