Yikes, I'm starting to feel as confused as I did in University calculus.

My hubs are Campy and therefore, according to the LBS, not shimano compatible.

And my cassette is an 8-speed.

I find this all so frustrating because 1) I wish I had known to ask these types of questions 8 years ago when I bought the bike and 2) I don't live anywhere near a GOOD, very knowledgeable bike shop (I'm 2 hours from Vancouver and there's no bike shop in my little town who is well-versed in the needs of a very short bike tourer. I don't mind doing the drive and I do do it fairly regularly. It's just so much easier if they were closer. Sorry - just venting)

Anyhow, I think I will send a detailed email to the person in Davis, CA and see what he has to say. And then I can at least go to my LBS in Vancouver with the right info.

Thanks again everyone for your help.