Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,043
Likes: 924
From: Washington County, Vermont, USA
Bikes: 1966 Dawes Double Blue, 1976 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1975 Raleigh Sprite 27, 1980 Univega Viva Sport, 1971 Gitane Tour de France, 1984 Lotus Classique, 1976 Motobecane Grand Record
Gosh, 26-34 low seems pretty low to me. I recently finished a longish loaded tour with a 30-34 low (on an old 1981 Miyata with a six-speed freewheel). There were a few times when I would have appreciated your current 26-34 low, but I made out fine, and I'm not an especially strong rider.
Everyone is different, but I suggest that you ride the bike with its current gearing for a while before deciding you need to go lower. You might find that it's just fine as it is.