Barrett, I always pay attention to your posts as you always have useful information. Also, I would judge, we have similar interests in what we look for in performance. As a retired man with only a modest interest in high performance, the type of performance you are interested in fits right in with my thinking.

My current and one and only bike is a Specialized Secteur with the lowest of low components - which work reliably and smoothly. Not only that, but if I wish to tour, the bike will accept a rear rack and ride smoothly with 25 pounds or more. By today's standards, the bike is a bit heavy at 22 pounds. I prefer to think of it as sturdy. In any case, speed is limited by the engine, not the chassis. In a word, this bike is versatile which is the characteristic most useful to a recreational rider of my age and interests.

On your suggestion, I installed a bottom 26T chain ring and a 30T biggest cog. This combination is perfect for the type of moderately loaded tours I will do. With about 25 to 30 pounds in the panniers, I can climb anything in my target area which I've already tested.

As an aside, a man I've worked with on and off for over 25 years, has been granted Italian citizenship and now that he is is retired, is hot to move to northern Italy where he has vacationed for several years. Thanks pal.