Thanks guys, you've given me a lot to think about.

I think for now I'm gonna stick with the same basic gears out back...at least the same for the large cog (28T). I really want to keep things as original as possible, so as long as it keeps on rolling, I'd like to keep the Falcon parallelogram RD on.

If I do decide to change gearing, it'll probably be out front as nfmisso suggested with a compact double. This would eliminate two problems, the gearing as well as the cottered cranks, although with the new pins they have been extremely solid. But it's something I will have to deal with again I'm sure.

Then again, another option is to HTFU and get stronger. The more I ride the Sovereign, the easier it gets. Then I get on the Denali, which isn't all that light but feels like a feather in comparison and I just fly.

Next weekend I'm taking another mini bike tour, and I'll be taking the Sovereign. It's very well set up for long distance comfort and hauling stuff, even if it is a bit heavy! I don't think this weekend's tour will be as long as the last one, which was 50 miles. I hope to get some sizeable distance though. I haven't ridden my bike(s) nearly as much as I'd like lately due to weather and other conflicts!

As soon as I get a cassette removal tool, the Denali will be getting a full service on all bearings, and I'll report back how well they've held up. Of interest to Denali owners will be the original pedals, front wheel, and headset.

The Sovereign I'm just going to keep riding as is for a while. It only has 180 miles on it since I picked it up. 50 of which were that fantastic mini-bike tour which I'd love to repeat sometime. I don't think it would have been as much fun on the Denali due to the increased road vibrations. My butt hurt enough already.
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