In the reader's digest version I neglected to mention that the LBS did try to put on a different cassette as well as a 28T chain ring. The problem was that the chain didn't clear the front derrailleur plate so we had to go back to the 30T.
We did change out the rear cassette from the 12/26 to 12/28 but there is still chain drag when I am in the 'harder' granny gears (which is in theory fine as I will more than likely only use my smaller granny gears and otherwise be in the middle chain ring).

Thanks for the info on Davis Wheelworks. While I live in Canada, I certainly could envision a trip to California for 'research'. The biggest thing is being able to test drive something beforehand.

Thanks


QUOTE=SadieKate]How many speeds are you running on the cassette? The 9 sp Veloce cassette goes to 28. One of our local randonneur riders runs a SRAM/Campy combo to get low gearing. Does TA make a chainring smaller than 30? You may have to get smaller chainrings across the board to make sure the derailleur works.

Not sure if you want to do business with a California shop, but you could give Joe at Davis Wheelworks a call or email and ask his opinion.[/QUOTE]