Quote Originally Posted by Cassandra_Cain
Definitely, get that expanded cassette. I had a 12-27 installed the day before yesterday and then did the biggest climb in the area. Without that 27, I don't think I could have made it
I was even thinking of a Sheldon Brown solution to give me the equivalent of a triple without having to get a triple...39-30 with a 13-30 cassette. I would have to get a long-arm derailleur, though.

Of course, my other alternative is to get a long-haul randnoneur bike (like a Rambouillet, perhaps?) with everything just so, and keep my Luna for shorter, faster, flater rides. Any excuse for another sweet bike!