going double to triple

[wnyrider]

I currently have a Campagnolo 10 speed 39-53 (front) compact double with a 12-23 (rear). I am considering having my front crank swapped out with a 30-42-53 triple (front), maybe this one: http://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=405909

This would be done strictly to help me out on some of the hills I am trying to conquer. I have gone to the Sheldon site and plugged in the numbers for gearing. But, I don't understand the information.

Is there an easy answer as to whether I'd be gaining that much more in lower gearing? Would I easily notice it riding uphill or would it be more subtle?

[alpinerabbit]

uh, you would definitely notice something, considering what you currently have (53-39) is not a compact but a regular double.
(no one except complete flatlanders and pros should be riding a reglar double... my most humble of opinions. Over here, we call it the "hero" crank, as in heroism=unnecessary silliness)

this means you can already gain considerable climbing ease by solely swapping out the crank set to, say, a 50-34 (that's a compact), and save $ on the front derailler.


Also, you can change out the cassette to up to a 13-29 with Campy. and that will help.

[wnyrider]

... gain considerable climbing ease by solely swapping out the crank set to, say, a 50-34 (that's a compact), and save $ on the front derailler.

Also, you can change out the cassette to up to a 13-29 with Campy. and that will help.

Wow, I had no idea. I was told it was a compact and not knowing the difference, just accepted it. Thanks! So your suggestion of a 50-34 is being noted. But, could I not also solely use the triple using the same derailler, as well as leaving the original cassette?
Or-- was your added information regarding the 13-29 cassette give me the same effect I am seeking with the triple?

[Pedal Wench]

A 13-29 is a great option - I use that with my compact and can climb just about anything. If you switch to a Campy triple, you'll also need a new bottom bracket along with a new front derailleur. A compact is a great place to start, and since cassettes do wear out in time, next time, try the 13-29, or just do the swap now, since it might be time for a new cassette anyway.

[myjas]

Don.t forget you would have to change your shifter also.

[SadieKate]

Don.t forget you would have to change your shifter also.

Why?

Most Campy shifters (not 11 speed) are both double and triple compatible.

And Campy triples shift most excellently.

[wnyrider]

A 13-29 is a great option - I use that with my compact and can climb just about anything. If you switch to a Campy triple, you'll also need a new bottom bracket along with a new front derailleur. A compact is a great place to start, and since cassettes do wear out in time, next time, try the 13-29, or just do the swap now, since it might be time for a new cassette anyway.

Thanks for the info! I am now looking up a 50-34 crank to buy. Please correct me if I am wrong-- I could swap out my current crank for the 50-34 AND swap out the cassette for the 13-29 and can keep all the other parts of old?

I just noticed myjas comment regarding shifter... did you mean if I went with a triple?

[silver]

yes, I believe that myjas means if you switch to the triple.

I agree with the other posters. I don't recommend that you go to a triple with your current setup.

(I actually don't recommend triples at all, but that opens a WHOLE nuther can of worms...I realize that some riding scenarios call for them but I don't feel that they shift as well...but this is coming from me who rides a regular double ("(no one except complete flatlanders and pros should be riding a reglar double... my most humble of opinions. Over here, we call it the "hero" crank, as in heroism=unnecessary silliness)") I ride a 53/39 - 12-27 on my road bike and 52/38 - 11-27 on my tri bike. Final thing is I don't know anything about Campy and what gearing the derailleurs will handle. you should check with your bike shop to be sure that the derailleurs will handle the gearing that you are talking about.

When looking at Shelton's Gear calculator....

currently you have 53/39 - 12-23. with 39-23 you have 3.3%

if you only switched out the cassette from 12-23 to 12-27 you would go to 2.8% (recommended. easy and cheapest)

if you switched the cassette to 13-29 your ratio would be 2.6% but i'm worried that you may need a new or adjusted rear derailleur. I could be totally wrong but you should check that out just to be sure)

f you only switched out the double to the triple you would get (53/42/30 - 12-23) using 30 - 23 the ratio would be 2.6% (not recommended, probably have to change derailleurs, bottom brackets, shifters)

50/34 - 12/27 the lower right hand box says 2.5%. That's the ratio that you have when your are using your little front ring (34)and your largest cog (27) (good option for best ratio, but will cost more than just changing cassette)

and finally, if you went all out, 50/34 - 13-29 your ratio would be a mere 2.3 %

Was that too much info?.....I was having way too much fun with that gear calculator.