Originally Posted by
NeezyDeezy
I see they still haven't learned their lessons about gear ratios. Just imagine how many more bikes they'd sell if they used the proper chain ring sizes and cassette for loaded touring...
Its no problem to swap to a mountain bike crankset. In the 2007 catalog, the hubs and rear derailleur is listed as Shimano LX. So you've got good quality touring components and I think gear setup should be left up to the rider to customize to their particular situation.