I am building up a 9 speed tour bike now and I decided to go with a Deore 48T triple because it is availably in full silver. If black MTB cranks are OK with you, the selection is much better in 44T and easier to find bargans on eBay. I would guess that your wife will not like the road crank if she is caring much of a load. I am also changing cassette to an 11-34T to help me get my old rear end over the hills with some weight on board.