Originally Posted by MarcusT

I went with the Deore 48-36-26 with a 11-34 cassette. 26 X 34 seems a low enough gear depending on your terrain. I just went on a ride (unloaded). I hit a very steep road and barely made it to the top (about a km). I don't think I would have made it with a full load. Mind you it is the winter and I am not in great shape, but it makes me consider putting on a 22t, or a cassette with 36. I need to crunch the numbers