Bill G

When I built up my new Co-Motion Nor'Wester tour I went with the Ultegra Triple cranks and STI shifters in 10spd but this limited me to a 11-28 gearing in the rear. I only do light touring, love STI shifters but wanted a little more low gearing, problem solved. I installed a Long Cage Shimmano LX Rear Derailuer and one of the newley released Shimmano Dyna SLX 10spd Mountain bike rear Cassetes in 11-34 (problem solved). The bike shifts great and the gearing is just what I wanted while still maintaining the Ultegra STI shifter set up. This is a Win Win for me.

I also installed a new Topeak rear rack that can accept any type rear bag but but has a channel for the Topeak line of MTX rear bags with the fold down panniers built into them with the quick release for easy removal, a great set up for light touring.

Take Care All,
Bill G

BengeBoy 

Fantastic! Thanks for sharing this -- I was shopping for a light touring bike a year ago, spent a lot of time looking at the Nor'wester, but wanted lower gearing. I have been wondering about whether they were going to change their stock spec to something like what you've done. Very interesting to see that you've tried it and that it worked so well (I ended up doing a 9-speed set-up with NOS Shimano 105 STI's and an 11-34 rear cassette, but on a different frame).

kayakdiver

Sweetness!

BigBlueToe

That's a pretty sweet setup - both for light touring and for old guys like me who like to take it easy up hills even on Saturday rides!