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Old 11-23-18, 02:24 PM
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Salamandrine 
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Bikes: 78 Masi Criterium, 68 PX10, 2016 Mercian King of Mercia, Rivendell Clem Smith Jr

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It depends on whether you want to keep your crankset half step or not. Work out the math and gear charts. If you don't understand how half step works and what it's for, ask.

Half step works OK with 5 speed or 6 speed. It's basically pointless IMO once you get to 7 or higher. Going with 7 speed is going to be easier WRT cassette availability. Sometimes spacing in the rear can get a bit tight. While a wide range is useful for touring, tight spacing is kind of irrelevant IME. 6 speed would be fine, but it's going to be harder to find quality cassettes in this day and age.

My touring bike? 2x10 speed with a 50/34 modern compact crank. It's plenty gear for me. Back in the 80s my touring bike had 2x5 with a 14-28 IIRC. Was good enough for loaded tours when I was 19...
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