Can I change the chainrings/crankset?

[jolobike]

I'm new to the whole touring bike world, and really am just getting into cycling. I've been doing tons of research and know just enough to be dangerous.  I'm looking at buying a 2003 Trek 520. This is from the vintage when Trek was using the Shimano 105 Triple, 30/42/52. It's got an 11-32, 9 cogs on back. While I don't plan on doing loaded touring anytime in the near future, I live in a very hilly region and I think I'll be wanting lower low gears. So, will I be able to just swap out the crankset? Is this something that a LBS will need to do, or can a reasonably mechanically minded person do it? Assuming it can be done, what do you recommend I look at, and about how much $$ would this upgrade cost?

Thanks!
Lori

[DanE]

This subject was just discussed:

http://forums.adventurecycling.org/index.php?topic=11756.0

You might want to read that thread.

[jolobike]

Thanks Dan! Sorry I missed this.