I actually printed this thread and took it to my mechanic yesterday! Initially, we tried to put a 32T on the back but ended up with shifting issues (clicking etc.) So, by putting the 12-27 on the back and reducing the smaller two chainrings by 3 each, I can get pretty much what I want without having to change anything on the derailer etc (I wanted it to be where I can switch it back and forth easily without having to modify any other aspects!) The chainrings are forthcoming so I hope to have it all together by next week. I do still have my touring bike that has a pretty good granny so if I do the "utah" thing (bcipam, that's all your fault! ) I can always take that bike. SadieKate, your bike has amazingly low gears! I can't wait to meet you at LRRH!!!! I find it so interesting how differently each bike has to be modified; in my simple mind I would think they should all be similar! If I tried to put what bcipam has on my bike, I'd need to do quite a few additional modifications just to make it work!

Slinkedog, I will be up there in the next month or two and I will definately bring my bike! My kids love the drop-in day care near Valley Fair so that makes it easy! When I was young and in better shape I did that ride out of South San Jose (I Care Classic, I think?) that went up Bailey and then up by the lakes south of Almaden; I love that ride; definately a goal to do that route again (couldn't make it up Bailey without stopping to save my life now though!)

Before I forget, do any of you NorCal ladies do the Healdsburg Harvest Century (my very favorite) or Foxy's Fall Century in Davis? Also, bcipam, if you are going to do the LAGBRAU in 2007, I'm gonna follow you!

I really appreciate everyone's input and info on all of your various modifications; I'd forgotten all about the ability to make those changes and had no idea what types of changes to look into!

Tracy