looking to upgrade...

[anablanco]

I started riding about a year ago. My husband and I go out together a few times a week. I just love it! I've lost about 34 pounds since November and its gotten much easier. I've been thinking about upgrading but not sure if I should wait until I no longer need a triple. I ride about 30 - 40 miles each time I go out. Even though I've gotten much better I'm not sure if I'll ever outgrow a triple. Would love to hear your thoughts on this? I saw a bike I just love the other day but it's a triple... don't know what to do.

[Veronica]

Some people never outgrow their triple. It's all about where you ride. I have the muscle strength to not need a triple. But whenever I climb in a bigger gear - my knees scream at me. They love spinning up mountains though.

Veronica

[anablanco]

I live in Georgia so there are lots and lots of hills. I'm also training for a six gap ride up in the GA mountains. I'm thinking I may need that triple in the fall Hills are getting much easier as I get in better shape and shed pounds though. I love that feeling! The bike I'm looking at is an '08 so the price is good but even though it came in both a double and a triple... the triple is all they have left. I figure I'll keep it for a long time so I want to make the right decision. Thanks for your help!

[sundial]

First, congratulations on your weight loss! That is outstanding!!

Second--how do your knees like hills? Would you be as comfortable on a compact with a few less granny gears or would you prefer a triple? Personally, I prefer a compact double for the shifting but if I lived in a really hilly area, I would probably stick with a triple since I have a bad knee.

What's nice about triples is they help in off season training.

[anablanco]

So far my knees are okay. I've never ridden a compact though... I guess I can try my husbands. My husband has ridden for a long time and is torn on whether I should stay with a triple or get a compact when I upgrade.

[sundial]

You know, if you're happy with your triple, why not keep it and get a great second hand/last year's model compact double? Then you'll have the best of both worlds.

[anablanco]

Oh and thanks on the congrats for the weight loss!! I started weight watchers in November and have done very well. My husband is my trainer... haha
The cycling has really helped me out. I alternate between road biking and mountain biking so the pounds are coming off at a steady pace. I'm very excited... and I've gotten really into cycling... I like to find all the feminine gear. I love pink!

[ny biker]

I expect I will always want a triple. I use the small ring less as the season goes on and I get in better shape, but I like having it for the really steep hills.

[sundial]

There's this really steep hill that I've been avoiding. If I do it, I'll have to grab the mtb because it's the only triple I have, lol.