Originally Posted by invisiblehand
You did not mention the chainring sizes on the double upfront. But my guess is that the most cost effective method will be to spread the frame and upgrade the wheels and cassette. SRAM makes some wide range 9 speed cassettes; 12-34 or 11-34. You might have to change the rear derailer, but that is neither difficult nor expensive.
The front chainrings have are 40-36. The rear cluster is 32-26-21-17-15-13.
Are you suggesting that I leave the double up front as it is and try to compensate with a wider range 9 speed cassette? How expensive would it be to cold-set the frame, replace the cassette, and flip the rear derailleur with another one of good quality?
Thanks for all the responses so far. Looks like i've got my work cut out for me.