Concerning the gearing on the Aurora.
I've ridden an LHT in the past, which I believe has a low gear of something like 26tx34t. The Jamis, as mentioned, has a 52 42 30 chainwheel with an 11-32 cassette.

Now, I remember that the LHT felt geared VERY, VERY low. Would that combination be necessary except over the roughest hills with a full load?

Could the bike shop simply replace the smallest chain ring with a 26T cog? (I don't think they could given the road triple)

Would placing an 11-34T cassette be low enough on the Aurora?

I do like the LHT a lot. However, given the riding I anticipate doing the most, I think I'd be happier with STI shifters.




DuckFat- Great writeup on your ATA/C&O trip. I did the C&O canal part when I was a kid. I think it would be awesome riding the whole way from the Pittsburgh Area (especially the Ohiopyle area). I just wish I could do it such that I'd be able to take the time to see, for example, Antietam/Harpers Ferry/South Mountain/etc.

Thanks Everyone