cyclocross with double or triple crank set?

[melissa]

You know, somehow this cyclocross bike keeps coming back to me. First I thought it would be great to go on gravel, mud, local trails here but then I was told I could do that too with a road bike.
I still like the possibilities you have with a cyclocross bike, only the one I tested was a double compact. Are there also triples? I think a triple is important to me since I live in a very hilly, mountain area. My mountainbike is a triple crank set? Is it a big difference with a double compact?

[bluebug32]

Talk to your local shop. Many compact doubles with have virtually the same gearing as triples. You might lose your lowest gear or two, however. But you'll most likely save some weight and have cleaner shifting. You can put a triple on any bike, however. If it doesn't come with it, you can swap out. It's all in what you prefer. I live in a hilly area and was on a triple for a long time. I switched to a compact double and love it.

[Cataboo]

https://shop.sunrisecyclery.com/item/41775
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22302

Specialized tricross is a triple.

[lauraelmore1033]

https://shop.sunrisecyclery.com/item/41775
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22302

Specialized tricross is a triple.

Bestest bike evuuur!:cool:

[anakiwa]

I had a mountain bike cassette put on my crossbike (it has a compact double) and that gives me a great range. (I'm cruising around on dirt roads with it and like the low 1-1 gearing- if you're looking to race it wouldn't be the right gearing.)

[KnottedYet]

The Surly Cross Check comes with a double (36 +48), and bolt receivers for a 3rd ring.

I added a 3rd (26) for the hills on my commute and the large loads I haul. The total for that change was $19.

Buying a bike that comes as a double with the option to easily add a 3rd if you need it is a nice way to go.