Quote Originally Posted by Becky View Post
I was thinking of something like the Sugino XD600 shown here: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/cranks/11074.html. Not as low as a true MTB triple crankset, but lower than a road triple. Would require a new bottom bracket though...


If a 9-speed cassette will work with 10-speed shifters, that might be the cheapest way to gear down. I've never stuck a 9-speed wheel on a 10-speed bike....will try this tonight!

I love the looks of that new SRAM XX. (If I convert to it, DH will kill me. It's a given. ) My only concern in this application is finding a rear derailleur with enough capacity to handle that cassette range, and that will still work with the existing shifters if possible. If I found the right Madone on the interwebs, Lo's bike has Shimano Ultegra SL on it.
Becky - you're right.. 2009 Madone 5.2 WSD full Ultegra SL... Should've put that in the OP, oops.

You guys are the greatest... I feel a little more confident in my options--I prefer to go into LBS armed with knowledge so as to avoid being given the 'little lady treatment' as I call it.