Originally Posted by
Berniebikes
Having said all that if it were me I would go with a compact crank and leave it at that. What in the world do you need a 28 rear and a small chain ring for********** With that gearing you could climb a wall.
People who go on long loaded tours in hilly areas still prefer triples and mountain gearing. You might be able to climb a wall with a 28 in the back but if it's your 3rd wall of a long day on the 6th day of the tour and you're carrying 50 lbs of gear, lower gearing can mean the difference between riding and pushing.