Originally Posted by
gif4445
CCCorlew, on my LHT loaded (32 lbs bike, 30 lbs pack and 205 lbs me), I used the 26-34 on many occasions touring in Western US. Yes, a heavy bike with a heavy load. The unknown will be the Roubaix on climbs such as these, with a hopefully lighter me and no pack besides the bare necessities. Changing the cassette would appear to me to be the easiest solution. Adding a third chainring would include replacing the front derailleur I assume.
Might be able to use the same front derailluer. You'll definitely need a new front shifter for the triple though. Including the cost of a crankset that's likely to be an expensive modification.
Is the bike setup with Shimano or SRAM components. The cheap upgrade paths depend on the specific components currently on the bike, and what can easily be swapped.