Originally Posted by badger_biker

I'd definitely go with no more than 9 speed for many of the reasons already mentioned. I just finished building up a 26 inch tourer from scratch and went with Deore LX 9 speed. I had the STI levers so I used them otherwise I would have chosen bar ends. My other road touring bike is 7 speed and that is enough but the 9 may come in handy off road with this bike.