The 11/34 casette in 10 speed is Not a shimano Casstte but is made by IRD. It is not cheap and a link below. I have heard criticism of the lack of crispness to gear changing using this cassette- but I have also heard of others saying it is OK. My only comment is that the jump fron 9th to 10th gear is a bit large.

The FCR 2 and 3 come with a triple crank. I have an old SCR 3 (Similar bike) that had a triple on it to give a lowest gearing of 30/28. When i went to the mountains- I changed the granny ring to a 28. It is also possible to change that granny to a 26. 26/27 is a low gear but it will involve a change or rear derailler to a long cage- but so will the IRD 11/32.

Another alternative is to get the shop to change the crank to a "Touring" crankset. Typical versions on this have 48/36/24 chain rings- or you could go lower with an MTB set with 44/32/22 but that may be too low.

And good choice on the FCR- Have one but it is set up as a road bike with Drop handlebars.


http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/k7.html#10