Originally Posted by
robow
and sstorkel, they don't have to have doubles up front, you can set them up as triples and allow any gearing you desire. My CX is set up with a 46-36-24 and a 11-34 cassette in back.
You can set virtually any derailleur-equipped bike on the planet up as a triple in my experience. But if the bike comes from the manufacturer with a double, which seems normal for all of the CX bikes I've seen, then you'll have to swap shifters, front derailleur, and cranks. Why bother with the added expense/hassle if you know you're going to need touring-capable gearing?