Originally Posted by xyzzy834
One more thing.
You mentioned an XT group, which is a MTB group. If that includes a MTB crank, it commits you to MTB shifters unless you friction shift the front or do something creative. This is no problem if it's what you want. Otherwise, it's another thing to consider
Not necessarily. I've used mountain bike cranks on several touring bikes with STI shifters very successfully.
LHT set up with a 44/32/22, 11-34 cassette and STI shifters.
My wife's Co-Motion Touring bike with the same set up.
My Bianchi Volpe with the same setup.
