I don't fully understand the beef about the crankset size. The rear cog set goes up to a larger size than regular roadies. I would expect that should be fair compensation. Wouldn't the larger crankwheel help you take advantage of tailwinds and slight downhills? I feel I could climb walls with the granny gear on my C'dale tourer. However I've never been through the mountains on a loaded tour so I guess I shouldn't talk.