I second guessed myself and counted and yes, it has 28 teeth on the large cog. I read the specs somewhere and don't remember the source but it indicated that a few years later Trek changed it to the current size. Don't have any references other than my faulty memory but it does in fact sport an 11/28 rear cassette. I think I'm going to give it a shot. The worst that can happen is that I waste a little money on the 32.

Riding the bike is very different than what I'm used to. It's a lot heavier than my Cannondale and not nearly as quick, but it is REALLY a comfortable bike. Just not the hot setup when I'm trying to keep up with the gang.

Here's the new (old) bike.